Team Leader - People Services

Bolton Office; Bolton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care provider in Bolton seeks a Senior HR Advisor to manage complex employee relations cases and lead a dynamic team. Candidates should have significant HR advisory experience and strong knowledge of employment law. The role focuses on teamwork, policy development, and organizational change initiatives, offering a comprehensive benefits package including mental health support and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior HR advisory or team leader role.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience managing Employment Tribunal cases.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the People Services team.
• Provide expert HR guidance on employment-related matters.
• Contribute to the development of People initiatives.

Skills

Employee relations

Communication skills

People management

Safeguarding knowledge

Employment law knowledge

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Tools

HRIS

Job description

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The role

The holder is a commercially astute HR professional with significant experience in employee relations case management, including Employment Tribunals, acting as the first point of escalation for complex matters.

Safeguarding knowledge is essential. The role includes ownership of people policies, process development, and contributing to broader change programmes within the organisation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team & Operational Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and manage the day-to-day workload of the People Services team, ensuring timely, compliant, and consistent service delivery.
• Act as the first point of escalation for complex or sensitive cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, performance, and safeguarding matters.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior People Manager to ensure service excellence and team development.
• Ensure appropriate resource allocation, workload balancing, and prioritisation across the team.

Advisory & Case Management

• Provide expert HR guidance to managers and stakeholders on all employment-related matters, including high-risk or high-profile cases.
• Oversee and support complex employee relations cases and prepare documentation for Employment Tribunals, representing the business as required.
• Ensure all advice and interventions comply with employment law, OFG policies, and best practices.

Policy, Safeguarding & Compliance

• Promote safeguarding principles and ensure all team members understand their responsibilities in protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• Monitor casework for legal compliance and escalate risks appropriately.

People Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the development and implementation of People initiatives and change projects aligned with the People Strategy and business goals.
• Lead or support projects related to process improvements, digital systems, employee engagement, and culture development.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (including L&D, Payroll, and Business Leaders) to deliver a cohesive People function.

Standard Responsibilities

• Participate fully in the performance review process and lead reviews within your team.
• Uphold the policies and procedures of the OFG Group and relevant employment and safeguarding legislation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation and actively promote wellbeing within the team.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably assigned by the Senior People Manager or Head of HR.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

ESSENTIAL

• Proven experience in a senior HR advisory or team leader role within a multi-site or complex organisation.
• Customer service approach—willingness to support leaders in making sound decisions.
• Ability to work with various stakeholders and tailor communication styles.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience managing Employment Tribunal cases.
• People management skills, including performance management and team development.
• Excellent understanding of employment law and HR best practices.
• Proven track record supporting or leading organisational change projects.
• Clear safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to child/vulnerable adult protection.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting policies and formal documentation.

Desirable:

• CIPD Level 5 or above (or working toward).
• Experience in education, care, or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with HRIS and digital people platforms (e.g., PeopleXD, etc.).

Why join Outcomes First Group?

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high-quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland, and Wales, with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for those we educate and care for.

In 2024, Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth consecutive year.

Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools, and Momenta Connect.

Our Vision

Empower every child, regardless of ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and prepares them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our Mission

Unlock our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

Our Promise

We Listen.
We never assume.
We work together.
To make the remarkable happen.
We are accountable.
To each other and for one another.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to mental health support services and physical health checks
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits covering maternity, paternity leave, and fertility treatment support.

Additional Benefits through Vista platform include:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Discount options in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. We do not accept liability for any loss of earnings or costs incurred during delays or changes in the process. All stages are subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements.