HR Manager | Specialist & Forward-Thinking SEN School |...

CORE PURPOSE

We are seeking a strategic, highly skilled HR Manager to lead human resources strategy, workforce planning, and operational HR delivery across our school. Working directly alongside the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team, and Governing Body, the successful candidate will manage employee relations, drive talent acquisition, maintain absolute safeguarding compliance on the Single Central Record (SCR), and champion staff well-being across the organization.

THE SCHOOL

A specialist 11–19 SEN school located in Harrow, North West London, catering to pupils with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). The school operates with structured, trauma-informed practices managed in close alignment with senior leadership and multi-agency teams. The HR department functions as a vital strategic engine within the school, utilizing modern digital systems to manage recruitment, safer recruitment audits, staff performance management, and workforce development within a calm, supportive, and professional environment.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Strategic HR Leadership: Develop and execute HR policies and workforce strategies aligned with the school’s vision, employment legislation, and education sector guidelines.

• Safer Recruitment & SCR Audits: Oversee end-to-end recruitment procedures, ensuring flawless compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) standards and managing the Single Central Record (SCR).

• Employee Relations & Casework: Provide expert advice and casework management on complex HR matters, including grievance, disciplinary, sickness absence, capability, and performance procedures.

• Payroll & Absence Management: Manage payroll preparation, monitor staff attendance patterns, coordinate occupational health interventions, and report key HR metrics to the Governing Body.

• Staff Well-Being & Development: Lead staff well-being initiatives, coordinate whole-school professional development frameworks, and foster a positive, high-performing workplace culture.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification (or equivalent degree in Human Resources / Business Management).

• Experience: Extensive HR generalist or HR management experience, with a proven track record in an educational setting, specialist provision, or public sector environment.

• Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law, safer recruitment protocols, exceptional dispute resolution skills, and strong strategic leadership capabilities.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Based in the historic North West London borough of Harrow, the school serves an ambitious and diverse suburban community. The area combines iconic heritage sites like Harrow-on-the-Hill, vibrant local high streets, expansive green spaces such as Harrow Recreation Ground and Pinner Memorial Park, and a supportive network of families.

• Transport & Commuting: The school benefits from strong regional transport links, with direct road access via the A404, A41, and nearby M1 motorway corridor. Transit connectivity is exceptional, with comprehensive local bus routes and fast Underground and National Rail links via Harrow-on-the-Hill, Harrow & Wealdstone, and Rayners Lane (Metropolitan, Piccadilly, and Bakerloo lines, alongside London Overground and West Midlands Trains).

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.