Senior HR Manager

Interaction Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced HR Manager for a Trust in Solihull. This full-time role involves strategic HR leadership, managing complex employee relations, HR analytics, and driving organizational change. The ideal candidate must hold a CIPD Level 5 or above and possess strong HR experience. Salary ranges from £42,000 to £46,000 depending on experience. This is a hybrid role with two days from home and three days in the office.

Qualifications

• Strong experience managing complex ER casework.
• Experience with HR data reporting and analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR practice, and safeguarding.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex employee relations cases: disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence.
• Lead statutory reporting: Gender Pay Gap, Apprenticeship Levy, EDI metrics.
• Collaborate with Payroll and Finance on contractual changes.
• Build relationships with school leaders, unions, and external partners.

Skills

Complex employee relations management

HR data reporting and analysis

Employment law knowledge

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Influencing skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Job description

My client based in Solihull are currently recruiting for an HR Manager on a full time permanent basis. Reporting to the Executive HR Director, the ideal candidate will come with experience from a Trust or Education setting. Must be CIPD Level 5 or above to be considered.

Role Details

• Start date – January 2026
• Hybrid – two days from home, 3 days in the office
• Salary – £42,000 – £46,000 DOE

Role Purpose

The Trust HR Manager will act as the strategic deputy to the Executive HR Director, delivering high-quality HR services across the Trust. The role leads on complex employee relations, workforce planning, HR analytics, and organisational change. The postholder will drive HR excellence, ensure legal compliance, and promote a positive, inclusive culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Relations & Casework
  Manage complex ER cases: disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence. Liaise with outsourced HR provider to ensure effective casework support. Fortnightly case review meetings. Monitor HRIS case logs and maintain the internal casework tracker. Assess and action reports from reporting systems. Escalate complex/sensitive cases to HR Director as required. Provide expert employment law and HR best-practice guidance. Ensure consistent application of Trust policies. Represent the Trust at hearings and, where required, tribunals.
• Statutory and Internal Reporting
  Lead statutory and internal reporting: Gender Pay Gap, Apprenticeship Levy, EDI metrics. Analyse trends in absence, turnover, engagement. Provide insight to inform workforce planning and HR strategy.
• Finance and HR Systems
  Collaborate with Payroll and Finance on contractual changes and case outcomes. Maintain HR systems and ensure data integrity.
• Relationship Building
  Build strong relationships with school leaders, unions, and external partners. Promote continuous improvement and development. Deputise for the Executive HR Director as required.

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills

• Strong experience managing complex ER casework
• Experience with HR data reporting and analysis
• In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR practice, and safeguarding
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills

Personal Qualities

• Professional, discreet, emotionally intelligent
• Resilient and calm under pressure
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership style
• Strategic mindset with a hands‑on approach

If you have the skills and experience listed above please send your CV to or call (phone number removed).