SEN School HR and Recruitment Manager (Maternity Leave Cover)

Abbey School; Chester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Chester is seeking an HR and Recruitment Manager to lead HR operations during a maternity cover. The ideal candidate will possess strong HR experience and a deep understanding of employment law, ensuring effective recruitment strategies and staff wellbeing initiatives. This role offers a competitive salary and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HR and recruitment.
• Strong understanding of employment law and school HR practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively and proactively resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Oversight and management of operational HR administrative function.
• Plan and manage recruitment processes and interviews.
• Advise on HR legislation and policy compliance.

Skills

HR experience

Understanding of employment law

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Commitment to wellbeing

Job description

Overview

Are you a confident HR professional with a passion for people and process? We’re looking for a skilled and proactive HR and Recruitment Manager to lead our HR function during a 12-month maternity cover. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a key leadership role within a supportive school environment, where your expertise will help shape recruitment strategies, support staff wellbeing, and ensure smooth HR operations across the school.

Start date: as soon as possible
Hours: 37.5 hours/week, Monday to Friday (between 08:00–17:00)
Salary: Point 21–31 (£30,024 – £37,505)

Responsibilities

• Oversight and management of operational HR administrative function in school
• Full understanding of GDPR requirements regarding record keeping and recruitment
• Plan and manage the administration and organisation of School-led recruitment processes and interviews and tracking recruitment of successful applicants through to start date
• Prepare for and support formal HR meetings (sickness, grievance, disciplinary, etc.)
• Advise on HR legislation, policy implementation and ensure compliance with GDPR
• Maintain accurate personnel records and HR systems
• Coordinate staff induction, probation, appraisals, and statutory training
• Lead recruitment planning and processes from vacancy to onboarding
• Manage job advertising and ensure cost-effective recruitment strategies
• Maintain and update the Single Central Register
• Track recruitment targets and ensure safer recruitment practices

What We’re Looking For (Qualifications)

• Proven experience in HR and recruitment
• Strong understanding of employment law and school HR practices
• Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and proactively resolve issues
• Commitment to staff wellbeing and continuous improvement

How to Apply

If you feel as though you have the right qualities to join our team, visit our website and download/submit an application form https://abbeyschool.com/recruitment/

Please complete the application form fully and send this to [e-mail] with a covering letter addressed to the Principal, Dr. Lee. Alternatively, application forms can be sent by post to 12 Abbey Square, Chester, CH1 2HU.