Human Resources Manager

FG Recruitment; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-performing educational institution in Gateshead is seeking an exceptional HR Manager to shape the future of a workforce exceeding 180 staff. This hands-on role includes providing trusted HR guidance, leading recruitment, managing performance processes, and influencing strategic workforce initiatives. The ideal candidate holds a CIPD Level 5 and possesses strong knowledge of HR best practices and employment law, along with excellent coaching skills. This is a critical position ensuring a positive school culture and engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience providing HR advice to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance to leaders on real‑world HR situations.
• Coach managers to build confidence in people management.
• Lead recruitment end‑to‑end, ensuring top talent is onboarded.
• Maintain compliance and embed HR policies across the school.
• Manage performance processes and day‑to‑day HR operations.
• Support senior leaders in implementing people strategy.

Skills

Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice

Excellent coaching and influencing skills

Proactive, solution‑focused, calm under pressure

Education

CIPD Level 5

Job description

HR Manager - Education - Gateshead - Up to £48k

A high-performing school in the North East are seeking an exceptional HR Manager to shape the future of a 180+ strong workforce. This is a hands‑on, operationally critical role in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.

The HR Manager will be a trusted partner to school leadership, responsible for the operational delivery of HR processes while contributing to strategic workforce initiatives. The role balances practical HR management with strategic influence, making a measurable impact on staff performance, engagement, and school culture.

Role Overview (Operations‑Led, Strategic Support)

Operational Focus (60%)

• Provide expert guidance to leaders on real‑world HR situations, including performance and employee relations
• Coach managers to build confidence and capability in people management
• Lead recruitment end‑to‑end, ensuring top talent is attracted and onboarded efficiently
• Maintain compliance and embed HR policies across the school
• Manage performance processes, capability cases, staff development, and day‑to‑day HR operations
• Deliver practical, timely solutions that keep the school running smoothly

Strategic Influence (40%)

• Support senior leaders in implementing people strategy and frameworks
• Contribute to workforce planning, succession, retention, and performance initiatives
• Advise on employment law, best practice, and organisational development
• Help foster a culture of inclusion, excellence, and high performance

Essential Skills & Experience

• CIPD Level 5
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• Experience providing HR advice to senior leaders
• Excellent coaching and influencing skills
• Proactive, solution‑focused, calm under pressure

Full job description and person specification available on request.

Applications are welcomed from experienced HR professionals ready to take on a diverse and high‑impact role in education.