HR Manager

The Independent Schools Council; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Summer Fields School in Oxford is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the HR strategy, compliance and operations across the school. You will provide strategic advice to senior leaders, report to the Bursar, and collaborate with the Headmaster and Finance Director to deliver a people-centred HR service.

The role oversees payroll, pensions and staff development, drives safer recruitment, and ensures UK employment law compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree in HR or related field required.
• CIPD Level 5 or higher preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering an HR strategy aligned with the School Development Plan.
• Lead employment compliance including safer recruitment and policy governance.
• Overseeing payroll, pensions and staff benefits with the Finance Officer.
• Advising and coaching managers on employee relations matters.
• Maintaining HR systems with data integrity and insights.

Skills

HR leadership

Communication

Influencing

Organisational skills

Education

CIPD Level 5

HR degree

Job description

The HR Manager role is a key leadership position with significant influence across the school, providing strategic advice to senior leaders while delivering an efficient, professional and people-centred HR service. Reporting to the Bursar and working closely with the Headmaster and Finance Director, the successful candidate will lead HR strategy, compliance and operations across the school.

The HR Manager will be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering an HR strategy aligned with the School Development Plan, ensuring a coherent, efficient and forward-looking HR service.
• Leading employment compliance including safer recruitment, SCR oversight, UKVI requirements and policy governance.
• Managing recruitment and workforce planning across teaching, support and overseas programmes, ensuring an excellent candidate experience.
• Advising, coaching and supporting managers and heads of department on employee relations matters, helping to foster a positive, high-trust culture.
• Overseeing payroll, pensions, employee benefits and annual reviews in partnership with the Finance Officer.
• Maintaining HR systems, ensuring data integrity, insight and operational excellence.
• Promoting staff wellbeing, inclusion and engagement through initiatives, forums and staff feedback mechanisms.

The successful candidate will have:

• A degree relevant to HR and/or CIPD qualification (Level 5 minimum).
• Demonstrable experience of HR leadership in a service focused environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, safer recruitment and HR best practice.
• Experience advising senior leaders on complex people matters.
• Excellent communication, judgement, influencing and organisational skills.
• Warmth, integrity and professionalism, together with a genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Summer Fields.

Summer Fields is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.