School Business Manager - HR Focus

inploi; Bolton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Bolton is seeking a School Business Manager with an HR focus. The ideal candidate will provide high-quality HR guidance, support employee lifecycle processes, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. This role offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a supportive team environment. The position requires CIPD Level 3 or relevant qualifications, and a background in education or public sector HR is preferred.

Benefits

Supportive community

Commitment to professional development

Local government pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working in HR, ideally in an education or public-sector setting.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practice.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and accurate HR advice to senior leaders, line managers, and staff.
• Support the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, induction, and exit processes.
• Maintain accurate HR records, produce reports, and ensure compliance with safeguarding and GDPR requirements.

Skills

HR experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Understanding of employment law

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Education

CIPD Level 3 or above

NVQ Level 4 qualification

Job description

Job Title: School Business Manager HR Focus
School name: The Orchards Federation

Working Pattern: Full-time 37 hours per week (4 days will be considered)/ Term-time + 3 weeks
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade H scp 27 - 31 £38,220 - £41,771
Actual Salary: £34,406 - £37,603

The Orchards Federation is a vibrant, inclusive, and high-achieving group of primary schools committed to providing an excellent education for all our pupils. We are also dedicated to creating a positive, supportive working environment for our staff. As our school community grows, we are seeking a skilled and proactive School Business Manager (SBM) HR Focus to join our central team, working under the direction of the Federation Operations Manager.

The Role

The SBM HR will play a key role in supporting the effective running of the school’s HR function. You will provide high-quality advice and guidance to leaders and staff across a wide range of HR matters, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements, and school policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide timely and accurate HR advice to senior leaders, line managers, and staff.
• Support the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, induction, and exit processes.
• Advise on employee relations matters such as sickness management, performance, conduct, and capability.
• Maintain accurate HR records, produce reports, and ensure compliance with safeguarding and GDPR requirements, including the Single Central Record (SCR).
• Coordinate safer recruitment processes, including DBS checks and pre-employment vetting.
• Assist with workforce planning, policy development, and HR projects.
• Support staff wellbeing, training, and development initiatives.

About You

We are looking for a confident and knowledgeable HR professional who can work independently, build strong relationships, and handle sensitive situations with professionalism.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience working in HR, ideally in an education or public-sector setting.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail with a confidential and approachable manner.
• CIPD Level 3 or above (or working towards) I or a relevant NVQ level 4 qualification is essential.

What We Offer

• A supportive, friendly, and ambitious Federation community.
• A genuine commitment to professional development and wellbeing.
• Competitive salary and local government pension scheme.
• A role where you can make a meaningful difference for staff and pupils.

How to Apply

A visit to the Federation would be welcomed. These are available on the following date:
Wednesday 7th January, 2026

Please contact Kirstin Middleton, Federation Operations Manager on 01204 335883 to arrange a visit, or have a conversation about the role.

Closing date: Monday 12th January, 2026
Short Listing: Tuesday 13th January, 2026
Interview: Friday 16th January, 2026

Interview process:
School based tasks, followed by a panel interview
Completed applications should be returned to [e-mail]

The School is committed to safer recruitment practice, and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and a barred list check.

Supporting Documents

• Bolton Council Schools (Officers) 2022 - Application Form
• Introduction to The Orchards Federation
• Job Description and Person Specification