HR Operations Manager

A respected organisation within the Education sector, this school is part of a wider multi-academy trust and provides a dynamic and structured environment for both students and staff. They believe in open communication and transparency, building trust and fostering strong relationships with employees and the wider school community.

A permanent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to lead and manage the daily operations of the HR function within a school setting. The role will support senior leadership and be responsible for overseeing the HR team and reception, managing all HR administration in line with statutory and trust-wide policies.

Duties will include:

• Managing the full range of HR employee relations, including grievances, disciplinaries, investigations, and restructures.

• Advising senior leadership on performance management and complex HR matters.

• Overseeing recruitment and selection, from job adverts through to appointment, ensuring compliance with safer recruitment standards.

• Managing the induction and probation processes, including ongoing review and development of procedures.

• Monitoring absence data, conducting meetings, and referring to Occupational Health where necessary.

• Leading payroll administration in collaboration with finance, including pay changes, increments, and reconciliation.

• Maintaining and auditing statutory records including the Single Central Record and Training Logs.

• Completing the annual staff workforce census in line with statutory requirements.

• Leading a team including HR staff and the reception team, ensuring high-quality front-of-house service and HR support.

The ideal candidate will be CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent) with a strong background in HR management, preferably within education. They must demonstrate up-to-date employment law knowledge, excellent communication and influencing skills, and proven experience in handling employee relations matters. A calm, professional approach and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential.

You’ll be joining a supportive and well-structured environment within a growing educational trust that values professional development and offers a meaningful role supporting staff and students. You will benefit from generous annual leave, a strong emphasis on work-life balance, and the opportunity to make a real impact in a community-focused setting.

HR Operations Manager – Oxford – £44,000 - £49,000