School HR Manager - Cambridge

Randstad Education; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Randstad benefits

School holiday perks

Job summary

Randstad Education is partnering with a Cambridge school to appoint a School HR Manager on a permanent, full-time basis. You will oversee people management, employee relations, and HR strategy across the school.

The role requires CIPD Level 5 with strong knowledge of UK employment law, safeguarding, and KCSIE. You will report to the SLT and Headteacher, leading an integrated HR function within the educational setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior HR role, preferably within an education setting.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification; Level 7 or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and safeguarding.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Organised, calm under pressure, and detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the school's HR function for SLT and Headteacher.
• Manage end-to-end employee relations including grievances and disciplinaries.
• Oversee recruitment and safeguarding compliance (KCSIE, SCR).
• Review and implement HR policies in line with education sector guidelines.
• Coordinate performance management, appraisals, and CPD.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Recruitment

Policy governance

Education

CIPD Level 5

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent

Job description

School HR Manager

Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per annum + Randstad benefits & school holiday perks

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Are you an experienced HR professional looking to make a meaningful impact in an educational setting?

Randstad Education is partnering with a highly respected school in Cambridge to recruit an experienced School HR Manager on a permanent basis. This is a key leadership role where you will oversee all aspects of people management, employee relations, and HR strategy across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership: Lead and develop the school's HR function, advising the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Headteacher on complex employment matters.
• Employee Relations: Manage employee relations end-to-end, including casework, grievances, disciplinaries, capability procedures, and absence management.
• Recruitment & Safer Recruitment: Oversee the staff lifecycle from recruitment to onboarding, ensuring strict adherence to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and maintaining the Single Central Record (SCR).
• Policy & Compliance: Review, update, and implement HR policies in line with current employment law and education sector guidelines (including Burgundy and Green Book conditions where applicable).
• Performance & Development: Coordinate performance management systems, staff appraisals, and continuous professional development (CPD).

About You

• Experience: Proven track record in a senior HR role, preferably within a school, academy trust, or broader education/public sector context.
• Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified (Level 7 or equivalent experience is highly desirable).
• Compliance Knowledge: Thorough understanding of UK employment law, safeguarding standards, and KCSIE regulations.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to engage, advise, and influence staff at all levels.
• Problem Solver: Calm under pressure, approachable, and highly organised with strong attention to detail.

What's on Offer

• Competitive Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per annum
• Timing: 8:00am to 4:00pm, full time
• Access to local government / school pension schemes
• Generous holiday allowance and favorable term-time flexibility options
• Ongoing professional development and career support
• Dedicated support from your specialist Randstad consultant throughout the recruitment process

Randstad Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All post-holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check procedure.