HR Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive HR professional to join a well-regarded educational setting in Surrey. Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will lead and develop the people function, providing high-quality HR advice and support across the organisation.

Job Title: HR Manager

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Surrey

Salary: £38,845 - £42,161 - working 36 hours per week term time, plus 3 weeks - office based

Benefits: Generous benefits package

Reference No: 16179

HR Manager About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive HR professional to join a well-regarded educational setting in Surrey. Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will lead and develop the people function, providing high-quality HR advice and support across the organisation.

This is a broad, hands-on role that will see you supporting all aspects of the employee lifecycle while helping to shape and embed effective, consistent and people-focused HR practices. Working closely with managers and senior stakeholders, you will provide pragmatic guidance on employee relations, recruitment, attendance management, performance processes, workforce planning and policy development.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting organisational growth and ensuring HR policies, procedures and systems remain compliant, efficient and aligned to best practice. You will also oversee HR administration and payroll support activities, ensuring robust processes and accurate records are maintained. Main Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the HR function, ensuring the delivery of a professional and effective HR service.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence and capability issues.
• Manage recruitment and onboarding activities, supporting the attraction and retention of high-quality staff.
• Oversee attendance management processes and support managers in addressing absence-related concerns.
• Coordinate performance management and probation processes across the organisation.
• Develop, review and implement HR policies, procedures and best practice initiatives.
• Support workforce planning activities and contribute to organisational development objectives.
• Ensure employee records are maintained accurately and confidentially in line with GDPR requirements.
• Produce HR reports and workforce data to support leadership decision-making.
• Line manage HR administration support functions, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
• Promote employee wellbeing, engagement and a positive workplace culture.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and organisational policies.

The Successful Candidate Will Have:

• CIPD qualification or equivalent HR experience.
• Proven experience in a generalist HR role with responsibility for a broad HR remit.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience managing employee relations cases and advising managers on complex people matters.
• A track record of developing and implementing HR policies, processes and systems.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment.
• A professional, discreet and resilient approach when handling sensitive information.
• Experience of line management and developing administrative support teams.
• An understanding of safeguarding principles and the importance of maintaining accurate employee records.
• Previous experience within the education sector would be advantageous, although candidates from other sectors with strong transferable HR experience are encouraged to apply.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional seeking a varied and rewarding role within a values-driven educational environment where people development, inclusion and continuous improvement are at the heart of the organisation.

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We do not discriminate on the grounds of any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant. If you do not hear from one of our Consultants within five working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Refer a Friend

If this role isn't quite right for you but you know someone who could be interested, refer them to us. You could receive a minimum of £100 in vouchers if we successfully place them into a permanent role, or £25 in vouchers for a temporary assignment (terms and conditions apply).