People Partner

JR United Kingdom; Greater Manchester; Remote; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job description

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We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

JOB TITLE: People Partner.

LOCATION: This is a remote-based role, but with an expectation of occasional travel to Head Office in Bolton, where the HR team is based. The role will also involve travel to key sites—primarily in Macclesfield and down South (on occasion)—with the potential to visit other locations across the UK as our organisation continues to grow.

SALARY: £42,000 per annum (not pro rata)

HOURS: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Head of Human Resources, Operations

UK Applicants Only - Sponsorship Not Provided

ABOUT THE ROLE

As part of an exciting phase of expansion following the acquisition of multiple schools, we are introducing a newly created People Partner role to support a rapidly growing education division- ‘Blenheim Schools’.

This is a standalone, business partner-level role, perfect for a dynamic and commercially savvy HR generalist who thrives in fast-paced, change-led environments. Acting as the single point of contact for all people matters, the People Partner will work closely with school leaders and internal stakeholders to deliver a flexible, professional, and solution-oriented HR service across the employee lifecycle.

You will support everything from day-to-day HR admin to complex employee relations, and strategic planning in conjunction with the Head of HR. If you’re someone who is as comfortable advising on ER cases as you are jumping in to fix onboarding hiccups, coordinating learning and development initiatives, or resolving a payroll query – we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, bringing proven experience and confidence to take ownership quickly. It’s a fantastic opportunity for an established HR professional ready to make an immediate impact and shape how we embed our people strategy in a growing division.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Act as the first point of contact for all people-related matters across the division, supporting leaders with a full spectrum of HR support.
2. Own and deliver generalist HR processes including onboarding, compliance, performance management, and L&D.
3. Support and advise on a wide range of employee relations cases, using good judgment and commercial awareness to find appropriate resolutions.
4. Coordinate recruitment activities and advise hiring managers throughout the selection process.
5. Design and deliver learning and development initiatives in line with divisional needs.
6. Resolve employee payroll queries by working closely with the central payroll team.
7. Ensure HR processes are embedded and aligned with organisational values while remaining adaptable to the specific needs of different schools.
8. Lead on people-related aspects of school acquisitions, including onboarding new schools and supporting cultural and operational integration.
9. Act as the HR point of contact during due diligence processes, ensuring timely and accurate assessment of employment risks, contractual obligations, and compliance matters.
10. Use data and insight to support decision-making and recommend areas for improvement.
11. Champion a customer-first, people-centric approach, ensuring a high level of support and responsiveness to stakeholders at all levels.
12. Contribute to strategic HR initiatives in collaboration with the Head of HR.
13. Identify areas of risk and provide proactive challenge where necessary to ensure compliance and best practice.
14. Travel as required to schools and the Bolton office, which serves as the division’s HR hub.

ESSENTIAL

1. Proven experience in a true HR generalist role.
2. Experience across L&D, onboarding, compliance, employee relations, and recruitment.
3. Experience supporting or leading HR integration activities during acquisitions, including due diligence, onboarding, and cultural alignment.
4. Strong understanding of employment considerations in mergers/acquisitions, with the ability to identify risks and implement practical solutions.
5. Able to operate both strategically and tactically – rolling your sleeves up when needed.
6. Confident managing a range of stakeholders, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
7. Strong commercial acumen and ability to balance operational demands with strategic goals.
8. Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, non-unionised environment.
9. Willingness and ability to travel regularly to the Bolton office and across the school network.

DESIRABLE

1. Experience within the education or public sector.
2. CIPD qualification or equivalent professional development.

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.

There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world.

Our Vision

Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our Mission

We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

We never assume.

We work together.

To make the remarkable happen.

We are accountable.

To each other and for one another.

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

1. Life Assurance
2. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
3. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
4. Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
5. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
6. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
7. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
8. Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.