School Business Manager - HR Focus

Bolton Council; Bolton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education authority in Bolton is seeking a skilled School Business Manager (SBM) HR Focus to support the HR function in primary schools. The ideal candidate will provide comprehensive HR advice, manage employee relations, and ensure compliance with employment legislation. This role requires experience in HR, a strong understanding of best practices, and excellence in communication and problem-solving. Join a supportive environment dedicated to professional development and staff wellbeing, offering competitive compensation and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local government pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum experience in HR, ideally in education or public sector.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices and legislation.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality HR advice to leaders and staff.
• Support the employee lifecycle from recruitment to exit.
• Advise on employee relations matters including sickness and performance.
• Maintain accurate HR records and ensure GDPR compliance.
• Coordinate safer recruitment processes.
• Assist with workforce planning and HR projects.
• Support staff wellbeing and training initiatives.

Skills

Experience working in HR

Understanding of employment law

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Education

CIPD Level 3 or above

Relevant NVQ Level 4 qualification

Job description

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 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.

• 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.

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). A relevant NVQ Level 4 qualification is essential.

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.

• 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.