Hr Officer

Smart Hire; Northampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Northampton is seeking an experienced HR professional to support the smooth implementation of HR processes, maintain compliance through the Single Central Register, and provide high-quality administrative support. Strong communication skills, proficiency in IT applications, and prior HR experience, particularly in educational settings, are essential. This role offers competitive employment terms and various benefits including professional development and well-being activities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and pay progression

GDST flexible pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Free lunches during term time

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a busy HR role, preferably in an educational setting.
• Ability to challenge compliance with HR policies effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of HR processes at Northampton High School.
• Maintain the Single Central Register and undertake safer recruitment checks.
• Provide administrative support for employee lifecycle including recruitment and payroll.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Excellent IT skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Handling sensitive situations

Education

CIPD Level 3 or equivalent HR experience

Tools

SIMS

Microsoft applications

Google applications

Job description

Job Overview

We have a fantastic opportunity supporting the smooth implementation of HR processes in Northampton High School. Northampton High is part of a cluster of four GDST schools. As part of this cluster, you will be expected to collaborate with HR colleagues across the cluster. You will also work in close collaboration with the HR Cluster Manager and the Trust Office HR Business Partner. You will provide a high quality, efficient HR service for the school, providing effective administrative support for the employee lifecycle with particular focus on recruitment, payroll, employee records and operational HR administration. The critical purpose of this role is to undertake the required safer recruitment checks and accurately maintain the Single Central Register to ensure compliance is always met. You will also support the HR Manager (cluster) in all HR-related matters at school level, as a first point of contact to support colleagues, managers and SLT members, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

We are looking for someone with strong verbal and written communication skills, proven experience of handling sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy, and the confidence to challenge compliance with HR policies at all levels. Excellent IT skills are required, particularly in using SIMS and Microsoft/Google applications. Keeping calm under pressure and being able to work to tight deadlines are also key so organisational skills and high attention to detail are critical. Previous experience in a busy HR role is essential, preferably within an educational setting. CIPD Level 3 is desirable, or demonstrable equivalent HR-related experience of working at this level.

Benefits

• Competitive terms and conditions of employment, and competitive salaries and pay progression
• Membership of the GDST flexible pension scheme (18% employer contribution and flexibility to generate a pay top-up of up to 10% of pensionable salary in lieu of pension)
• 36-week school year (including INSET days) across 3 terms, with a 2-week half term in the Autumn
• Normal teaching hours between 08:20 and 15:35 (depending on timetable for part-time staff
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities and training grants for qualifications
• Free life assurance benefit
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured, offering free 24-hour counselling, wellbeing support and advice services
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Free lunches for all staff during term time (equivalent to at least £900 per year)
• In-school staff wellbeing activities such as yoga, fitness classes, wellbeing walks
• Interest-free loans for training, computer purchase and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Good transport links and free parking

About the School

Northampton High School, part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST), is an independent girls' day school with a reputation for academic excellence, strong pastoral care and a wide breadth of extra-curricular activity. We offer a Nursery, Junior and Senior School across one site and we are proud to be at the forefront of education for girls and a strong voice in promoting opportunities for young women. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.