HR Business Partner (School Cluster)

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Cluster HR Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality HR services across an academy cluster. Working closely with the Executive Business Manager, Principals and HR colleagues, you will provide expert HR advice and ensure the effective management of all operational HR activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for an HR professional who holds CIPD level 5 or above and who enjoys building strong relationships, leading a team and driving continuous improvement. As a newly created role, there is significant opportunity to shape and develop the position while supporting our academies to deliver outstanding outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Cluster HR team, providing coaching, mentoring and professional development to ensure a high-performing HR function.

Provide expert HR advice and guidance to Principals, senior leaders and managers on employment matters, HR policies, procedures and employment legislation.

Manage a range of employee relations casework, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, probation, performance management and absence management matters.

Oversee recruitment, onboarding, contract variations and leaver processes across the academy cluster.

Support and implement recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain high-quality staff.

Maintain, monitor and audit the Single Central Record across all academies, ensuring compliance with safeguarding regulations.

Produce, analyse and present HR reports, workforce data and key performance metrics to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement.

Lead the administration of annual pay reviews and coordinate statutory workforce data returns and submissions.

Support organisational change projects, consultations and restructuring activities where required.

Keep up to date with developments in employment law, education guidance and HR best practice.

Travel between academies within the cluster and other locations as required.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

CIPD Level 5 qualification (Associate Diploma in People Management).

A minimum of three years' experience in an HR management role.

Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.

Proven experience managing a broad range of employee relations casework.

Experience leading, developing and motivating an HR team.

Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

High levels of accuracy, attention to detail and professionalism.

Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Strong analytical skills with experience using HR data and reporting to support decision-making.

Desirable

Experience working within the education sector, academy trust or Multi-Academy Trust environment.

Experience supporting organisational change, consultation and restructuring processes.

Knowledge of safeguarding requirements and the management of Single Central Records.

Experience using HR information systems and workforce reporting tools.

CIPD Level 7 qualification or commitment to further professional development.

Benefits

In return, they offer:

An additional day's paid leave awarded each year.

Access to an outstanding professional development programme.

A respectful and supportive working environment.

Friendly colleagues who are committed to each other's professional development and success.

Opportunities to work collaboratively with colleagues across the Cluster and a wider network.

Excellent employee benefits, including a highly sought-after pension scheme with generous employer contributions.

Access to the Perkbox benefits platform.

Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Apply now with a cover letter if you are looking for an exciting new opportunity