HR Manager

A Star Education Recruitment; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency for educational roles in the West Midlands is seeking an HR Manager to manage employee relations, analyze HR data, and support the school-based HR team. The ideal candidate will have a CIPD Level 5 qualification, strong experience in ER casework, and excellent negotiation skills. This role offers the opportunity to lead reporting initiatives and collaborate with various stakeholders within the Trust.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualification required, Level 7 desirable.
• Strong experience managing complex employee relations casework.
• Experience with HR data reporting and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex ER cases: disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence.
• Lead statutory reporting such as Gender Pay Gap and EDI metrics.
• Support HR Coordinator and school-based HR administrators.

Skills

Employee Relations Management

HR Data Analysis

Employment Law Knowledge

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Education

CIPD Level 5

CIPD Level 7 (desirable)

Job description

Sector: Multi-Academy Trust

Outstanding Solihull school require HR Manager

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Casework

• Manage complex ER cases: disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence.
• Liaise with EPM (outsourced HR provider) to ensure effective casework support.
• Fortnightly case review meetings with EPM.
• Monitor HRIS case logs and maintain the internal casework tracker.
• Assess and action reports from the Confide reporting system.
• Escalate complex/sensitive cases to HR Director as required.
• Provide expert employment law and HR best-practice guidance.
• Ensure consistent application of Trust policies.
• Represent the Trust at hearings and, where required, tribunals.

HR Data, Analytics & Reporting

• Lead statutory and internal reporting: Gender Pay Gap, Apprenticeship Levy, EDI metrics.
• Analyse trends in absence, turnover, engagement.
• Provide insight to inform workforce planning and HR strategy.

Operational HR Support

• Support HR Coordinator and school‑based HR administrators.
• Collaborate with Payroll and Finance on contractual changes and case outcomes.
• Maintain HR systems and ensure data integrity.

Internal Collaboration & Leadership

• Attend weekly HR team meetings and contribute updates.
• Participate in fortnightly meetings with the Executive HR Director.
• Build strong relationships with school leaders, unions, and external partners.
• Promote continuous improvement and development.
• Deputise for the Executive HR Director as required.

Workforce Planning & OD

• Support succession planning and talent management.
• Contribute to organisational development and change programmes.
• Champion Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) across the Trust.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills

Essential

CIPD Level 5 (Level 7 desirable)

Strong experience managing complex ER casework

Experience with HR data reporting and analysis

In‑depth knowledge of employment law, HR practice, and safeguarding

Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills