HR Manager, LOXFORD SCHOOL OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Location: Loxford School Trust (North–East London and North Essex)

Department: Central Team

Contract: Permanent, Full time (36 hours per week)

About the role

Lead and support the management and delivery of day-to-day HR operations, including advisory, monitoring, recruitment, and HR administration. Provide professional support, advice, and guidance to academy CEO, COO, Heads of School, MAT Board, and colleagues on complex employee relations and other HR matters. Support organizational change programs, including redundancy, restructuring, and TUPE transfers, due diligence, planning, and document preparation. Develop, review, and implement human resource policies and practices to meet strategic, legal, and best practice objectives. Maintain up-to-date HR records and files, including payroll and pension information. Provide strategic and professional leadership of HR within the Trust, including developing and implementing an annual People plan and the Trust’s HR Service.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of People to implement the Trust’s business and academic plans, including supporting HR strategies, processes, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and implement an annual HR plan aligned with the Trust’s strategic aims to optimize staff capabilities.
• Partner with Trust central staff and leadership to develop the Trust as an excellent workplace, attracting, recruiting, and retaining top talent.
• Develop and ensure delivery of induction processes and training for all Trust staff.
• Provide support and advice to Trust and school leadership teams on HR issues, including professional development for senior management.
• Ensure efficient and effective delivery of HR advice and manage the HR support team to provide a responsive, professional internal HR service.
• Support the implementation of wellbeing programs and oversee day-to-day wellbeing provision through shared services, including Occupational Health.
• Manage and oversee the complete payroll procedure for all staff.
• Work with SLT to identify performance gaps and arrange training and talent development to further school objectives.
• Advise, guide, and support casework and employee relations, liaising with legal advisors and Trade Unions as needed.
• Develop and maintain the Trust’s Recruitment and Retention strategy and manage the service.
• Ensure value for money in the procurement of HR-related services and contracts.
• Provide guidance on Teacher’s Pensions, Local Government Pension Scheme, and other pension schemes to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Produce regular HR data dashboards and provide written and verbal reports as required.
• Lead and oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of HR systems and processes, including payroll, pensions, recruitment, absence monitoring, OH referrals, performance management, probation, and appraisals.
• Evaluate job descriptions in accordance with the GLPC Job Evaluation Scheme.
• Manage Trust documentation, including staff contracts, policies, procedures, forms, and the staff handbook, ensuring regular reviews and compliance with employment legislation and safer recruitment.
• Manage the HR Central budget for recruitment, Occupational Health, Wellbeing, etc.
• Ensure up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and employment practices within the Trust and HR team, advising on interpretation and implementation of changes.
• Implement and maintain legally compliant HR policies, reviewing and updating them regularly to reflect legal and safer recruitment requirements.
• Ensure Trust compliance with equality legislation, addressing inconsistencies in pay and conditions across academies.
• Provide HR input into Trust projects and organizational changes, including TUPE and GDPR management.
• Support the process of schools joining the Trust.
• Ensure compliance with Safer Recruitment requirements and maintain accurate HR record-keeping, including the Single Central Record.
• Carry out duties in accordance with the school’s Health and Safety Policy and relevant legislation.
• Undertake additional projects, including organizational change programs, as required.
• Use information technology systems efficiently to carry out duties.
• Undertake training and professional development as appropriate.
• Plan and prioritize work for yourself and your team according to Trust needs.
• Monitor the quality of service provided by the HR Team.

Requirements

• CIPD level 5 or equivalent recent professional HR experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in HR management.
• Experience working to deadlines and delivering results through effective management, organization, and planning.
• Experience providing advice and flexible resolutions to complex HR issues.
• Experience developing HR and employment-related policies, procedures, or guidance.
• Ability to navigate IT systems and use management information data to identify areas for improvement.
• Experience influencing wellbeing strategies and advising on organizational change activities.
• High level of IT skills and literacy with a focus on accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Discretion and ability to work confidentially.
• Self-starter able to work independently and manage/develop a team.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly for compliance.
• Ability to motivate and influence, even in challenging situations.
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current UK employment legislation, case law, and codes of practice.
• Knowledge and experience of safer recruitment and safeguarding compliance within a school environment (desirable).
• Knowledge of school regulations and inspections (desirable).
• Ability to interpret and present HR performance indicators in writing and orally.

Pay

London NJC Grade 15, SCP 44-47 (Outer)