Our Ofsted Outstanding specialist school, in partnership with Affinity Partnerships, is seeking an experienced and strategic HR Manager to lead and develop a high‑quality HR service across the school. This is a full‑time, permanent role, offering a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal part in a forward‑thinking and values‑driven organisation.
The school is entering an exciting phase of growth, including the opening of a brand‑new school in South Bristol, making this an excellent time to join and help shape our people strategy as we continue to expand and evolve.
Reporting to the Head of Operations, the HR Manager will lead the HR Team (HR Officer and HR Administrators) and provide expert HR advice and leadership to the Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leaders and Governors.
The Role
As HR Manager, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of HR across the school, ensuring robust, legally compliant and people‑centred practices. You will play a key role in shaping the school’s People Strategy, supporting leaders through complex employee relations matters, and championing safeguarding, wellbeing, equality and inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the delivery of a comprehensive and progressive HR service aligned with the school’s vision and values
- Developing and implementing the school’s People Strategy, including recruitment, retention, wellbeing and workforce planning
- Providing high‑quality professional HR advice to Governors, Executive and Senior Leaders on all people‑related matters
- Overseeing the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, induction, performance management, attendance, conduct, capability and exit processes
- Acting as the HR lead on complex employee relations cases, organisational change, restructures and TUPE activity
- Ensuring all HR policies, procedures and practices are legally compliant, up to date and reflective of best practice
- Leading, coaching and developing the HR Team to ensure a consistent and high‑quality service
- Managing relationships with trade unions and external HR‑related service providers
- Ensuring robust safeguarding and safer recruitment practices are embedded throughout all HR processes
- Using HR data and reporting to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement
- Supporting payroll accuracy and the effective management of HR systems and records
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a confident, reflective and values‑led HR professional who brings both strategic insight and operational credibility.
Essential:
- Chartered CIPD member (Level 5 or 7)
- Degree‑educated, with evidence of continued professional development
- Significant HR experience in a similar role, ideally within an education setting
- Strong employee relations experience, including complex casework and organisational change
- Excellent knowledge of employment law, safeguarding and HR best practice
- Proven experience of leading and developing an HR team
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
- Highly organised, emotionally resilient and able to manage competing priorities
Desirable:
- Experience of managing trade union relationships and collective bargaining
- Knowledge of education‑specific terms and conditions (e.g. Green Book, Burgundy Book, STPCD)
- Experience of wellbeing and mental health strategy implementation
Why Work with Affinity Partnerships?
- Competitive salary (Grade BG13: £47,181 – £50,269, dependent on experience)
- Opportunity to shape and lead HR strategy in a growing, specialist school environment
- Partnership with an Ofsted Outstanding setting known for exceptional support and care
- A collaborative, welcoming and highly professional leadership team
- Excellent opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
- A strong organisational focus on staff wellbeing, equality and inclusion
- The chance to be part of an exciting new chapter, including the launch of a new school site
The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, and the role includes regulated activity.
