Lead HR Advisor

Teacheroo; Scotland; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in Edinburgh is seeking a Lead HR Advisor to deliver specialist HR expertise and ensure effective people management across the school. The ideal candidate will have a CIPD qualification, substantial HR advisory experience, and knowledge of employment law. This role involves providing HR guidance, managing complex cases, and supporting recruitment processes. Competitive benefits package offered including flexible working and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Reduced school fees

Pension contribution

Professional development opportunities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in an HR advisory role, preferably within education.
• Knowledge of employment law and education sector requirements.
• Experience with disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance management procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide first-line HR advice to leadership.
• Support staff with queries on employment terms.
• Handle complex employee relations cases.
• Conduct workplace investigations.
• Assist with recruitment processes.

Skills

Confidentiality

Excellent communication skills

Analytical abilities

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving abilities

IT literacy

Education

CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above)

Tools

Microsoft systems

Every HR

Job description

Overview

Job Type: Permanent

Job Sector: HR, Training

Region: Scotland

Location: Edinburgh

Salary Description: Salary range: £38,000- £43,000 dependent on qualifications and experience

Posted: 03/09/2025

Recruiter: Teacheroo

Job Ref: schooltalent/TP/5794/2080

Role

Lead HR Advisor | Full time, Permanent

• Full-time hours, 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays), to be taken primarily during the school holidays with some flexibility. May consider part time (0.7-0.8) for the right candidate.

• Best delivered in person (not primarily remote/hybrid).

• May require occasional evening work for staff meetings or events.

• Closing Date: 18 September 2025 • Interviews: Week Beginning 22 September 2025

Job Purpose

To deliver specialist HR expertise that enables effective people management across the school, ensuring staff can focus on delivering exceptional educational outcomes for students. The HR Advisor supports the school leadership team, staff, and Governing Council with comprehensive HR guidance while ensuring compliance with employment law and school policies.

Package Description

• Competitive remuneration and benefits package including:
• Reduced school fees and wraparound care at St George’s School
• Pension contribution
• Staff lunches
• Access to school buses on school routes for all staff (small charge)
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Opportunity to benefit from school facilities
• Death in service benefits

Main Responsibilities

Advisory Support:

• Provide first-line HR advice and guidance to those with leadership and management responsibility within the school.
• Support staff with queries relating to employment terms, conditions, and policies.
• Liaise with employment lawyers to ensure fair and consistent application of HR procedures, and provide advice as appropriate.
• Guide managers through performance management processes.

Case Management:

• Support schools with day-to-day HR advice, case management, and policy implementation.
• Handle complex employee relations cases from initiation to resolution.
• Conduct workplace investigations as required.
• Manage absence cases and records, including long-term sickness and return-to-work processes and any payroll adjustments.

Policy and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and safeguarding requirements specific to education settings.
• Review and update HR policies and procedures, reporting to Governing Council as required.
• Support policy implementation across the school community.
• Maintain awareness of changes in education sector employment law.

Recruitment Support:

• Assist with recruitment processes, including safer recruitment practices.
• Support onboarding and induction of new staff.
• Advise and implement contractual arrangements for teaching and support staff and ensure staff are provided with details of pension arrangements and other benefits.
• Ensure accurate details of staffing changes are provided to Payroll, IT and other relevant departments.
• Manage the recruitment budget.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Requirements

• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience.
• Substantial experience in an HR advisory role, preferably within education.
• Knowledge of employment law and education sector requirements, including staff training.
• Experience with disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance management procedures.

Skills:

• Confidentiality, autonomy and initiative.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present to staff groups and Governing Body.
• Ability to build relationships across all levels of the school community.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Understanding of safeguarding requirements in educational settings.
• IT literate; experience with Microsoft systems.
• Familiar with HR systems (St George’s uses Every HR).

Personal Qualities:

• Understanding and enthusiasm for the school’s history and ethos.
• Calm under pressure.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exemplary inter-personal skills.
• Positive attitude towards institutional change.

About the school/organisation

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early upon receipt of suitable applications. St George’s is an all-through independent school for girls aged 3-18 in Edinburgh with a history of empowering girls and a strong ethos.

Contact Details

Teacheroo

Tel: [phone]

Contact: Rachel Hastie

Email: