School Business Manager - HR Focus

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

Job summary

A local educational federation in Bolton is seeking a skilled School Business Manager with HR focus to support its HR function and provide expert advice to leadership. The successful candidate will have HR experience, ideally in an education setting, and a strong understanding of employment law. The federation offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and commitment to professional development. Interested applicants should contact the Federation Operations Manager for details on how to apply.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Local government pension scheme

Supportive working environment

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 high-quality HR advice and guidance to leaders and staff.
• Support the full employee lifecycle in school.
• Maintain accurate HR records to ensure safeguarding compliance.

Skills

HR experience in education/public sector

Strong understanding of employment law

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

CIPD Level 3 or above

Relevant 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.