Human Resources Manager

Kingston College; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a Human Resources Manager to deliver a high-quality HR service. The role involves providing guidance to managers on employee relations, leading HR initiatives, and handling legislative compliance. The ideal candidate will have substantial HR experience and a CIPD Level 7 qualification. This position requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills, along with a people-centered approach.

Benefits

37 days of annual leave

Excellent pension scheme

Subsidized sports facilities

Professional development opportunities

Cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Significant operational HR experience, including managing HR teams.
• Experience with UK and European legislation and case law preferred.
• Ability to advise managers on staffing issues and conduct.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive HR service to managers and staff.
• Handle employee relations including grievances and disciplinaries.
• Support HR Advisors with induction sessions and related activities.

Skills

Operational HR experience

Leadership skills

Organizational awareness

Problem-solving skills

Decision-making skills

Numerical skills

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification

Job description

We are seeking a Human Resources Manager to contribute to the provision of a comprehensive and high-quality HR service to managers and staff across the group. You will provide advice and guidance to managers, support service plan delivery, and assist in achieving operational targets and objectives. Supporting the Head of HR (Operations), you will handle employee relations, including grievances, disciplinaries, capability, and absence management, ensuring processes are delivered supportively and consistently, with particular regard to statutory safeguarding.

Responsibilities include undertaking job evaluations in line with the Group’s arrangements, supporting HR Advisors with induction sessions, and coordinating related activities. You will stay updated on legislative changes and external initiatives affecting the Group, and assist in monitoring HR-related costs to ensure services stay within budget.

This role suits someone with significant operational HR experience, including leading an HR team, developing policies, and managing employee relations casework, including negotiations with ACAS Conciliators and tribunal preparation. Experience with UK and European legislation and case law is preferred. Candidates should hold or be working towards CIPD Level 7 qualification.

The ideal candidate will have a people-centred approach, with strong leadership skills, organizational awareness, and the ability to advise managers on staffing issues, conduct, absence, and sickness management. Problem-solving, decision-making, and numerical skills for calculating staff statistics and salary costs are essential.

This post is primarily based in Kingston and Merton College, but travel to other South Thames Colleges sites will be required.

Closing date for applications is 31st July 2025.

The benefits package includes 37 days of annual leave plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year, 5 wellbeing days, an excellent pension scheme (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidized sports facilities, professional development opportunities, and a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme.

Successful candidates will undergo due diligence checks, including an enhanced DBS, references, online searches, and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

We are committed to equality of opportunity as per the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, and encourage applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, religion, or marriage and civil partnerships.

The South Thames Colleges Group comprises Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College, and South Thames College, which merged in August 2017. As one of London’s largest post-16 education providers, we are dedicated to student success and community contribution. We seek hardworking, collaborative individuals to join our team and help our students achieve and progress.