School HR Manager

KPI RECRUITING LTD; London Borough of Brent; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

KPI Education is seeking an experienced School HR Manager to lead HR operations within a busy Brent secondary school. You will oversee day-to-day HR activities, provide expert advice to senior leaders, manage recruitment, onboarding, contracts and employee documentation, and ensure safeguarding and compliance.

The ideal candidate holds CIPD qualification or equivalent HR qualification, with proven school-based HR experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law, safeguarding, and HR best

Qualifications

• CIPD qualification or equivalent recognised HR qualification.
• Proven HR management experience within a school or educational setting.
• Strong understanding of school HR policies, safeguarding legislation and employment law.
• Experience managing employee relations, recruitment and HR compliance.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Availability to start immediately or in January 2027.
• Experience in secondary schools or MATs would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations across the school.
• Provide professional HR advice and guidance to senior leaders and line managers.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, contracts and employee documentation.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding and safer recruitment.
• Maintain SCR and other personnel records; support absence management and performance issues.
• Advise on HR policies, procedures and best practice across the school.
• Work with SLT to promote a positive, professional working environment.

Skills

Leadership

Organisation

Communication

HR Knowledge

Education

CIPD qualification or equivalent HR qualification

Job description

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Start Date: Immediate or January 2027

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Essential: CIPD Qualification (or Equivalent) and School-Based HR Experience

School HR Manager – Outstanding Secondary School – Brent

Are you an experienced HR professional with a strong background in education? Do you have the expertise to lead HR operations within a busy secondary school environment?

KPI Education is recruiting an experienced and highly organised School HR Manager to join a successful and ambitious secondary school in Brent, North West London.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified HR professional who understands the complexities of school-based HR, employment legislation, safeguarding and recruitment compliance.

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the school's HR function, supporting senior leadership and ensuring effective people management across teaching and support staff.

Applicants must have previous school-based HR experience and hold a CIPD qualification or equivalent recognised HR qualification.

The Role

• Overseeing the day-to-day HR operations across the school.
• Providing professional HR advice and guidance to senior leaders and line managers.
• Managing recruitment, onboarding, contracts and employee documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and safer recruitment procedures.
• Maintaining accurate personnel records and the Single Central Record (SCR).
• Supporting employee relations matters, including absence management, disciplinary procedures, grievances and performance management.
• Advising on school HR policies, procedures and best practice.
• Managing staff absence, attendance and occupational health referrals.
• Supporting workforce planning, retention and staff development initiatives.
• Working closely with senior leadership to promote a positive and professional working environment.

The Ideal Candidate

• CIPD qualification or equivalent recognised HR qualification.
• Proven HR management experience within a school or educational setting.
• Strong understanding of school HR policies, safer recruitment and safeguarding legislation.
• Experience managing employee relations, recruitment and HR compliance.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Availability to start immediately or in January 2027.

Experience within a secondary school or Multi-Academy Trust would be particularly advantageous.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary of up to £65,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• Full-time, permanent position within an established secondary school.
• Opportunity to work closely with an experienced senior leadership team.
• A varied and influential HR management role.
• The opportunity to contribute to the continued development of a successful school community.
• Immediate or January 2027 start available.

Please note that previous school-based HR experience and a CIPD or equivalent HR qualification are essential for this position.

KPI Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.