HR Manager

HR Manager - Leading Independent Prep School, South London

Are you a dedicated HR professional seeking a standalone role where you can make a real impact?

We are looking for an experienced HR Manager to join our leading co-educational independent prep school in South London.

This is a full-time, all-year-round position, providing an opportunity to lead HR operations in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will report directly to the Bursar and play a pivotal role in shaping HR practices across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Operations & Support: Provide expert HR advice to the Bursar and school leaders, overseeing recruitment, retention, and generalist HR functions.
• Employee Relations & Performance Management: Advise on employee relations, employment law, staff welfare, and performance management. Lead disciplinary and grievance procedures and manage staff attendance.
• Compliance & Safer Recruitment: Maintain the Single Central Register, ensuring all HR policies and processes meet statutory and regulatory requirements. Lead on safer recruitment and employment checks.
• Learning & Development: Support line managers in identifying training needs, overseeing appraisals, and delivering staff development programmes.
• HR Policy Development: Ensure the school’s HR policies are legally compliant and aligned with school values, promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion.
• Recruitment & Induction: Lead recruitment strategies and processes to ensure effective hiring and induction of high-calibre staff at all levels.
• Salaries & Benefits: Support the annual salary review process and advise on staff benefits to ensure competitive recruitment and retention.
  
  

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or above, or equivalent HR-related qualification.
• Experience: Experience in a standalone HR role, ideally within a school or education setting, managing both operational and strategic HR projects.
• Skills & Knowledge: Strong understanding of UK employment law and safer recruitment practices, with the ability to manage complex employee relations issues and provide guidance on HR policies. Excellent communication, organisational, and analytical skills are essential.
• Personal Attributes: Professional integrity, resilience, and the ability to influence and motivate others. Calm, approachable, and committed to promoting staff welfare and equality.
  
  

Working Hours: On-site, 5 days a week during term time, typically from 7:45am to 5pm.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to be at the heart of a thriving educational community, driving HR initiatives that support the school’s vision and values. If you’re an experienced HR professional who thrives in a hands-on role, we’d love to hear from you.