Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised HR Manager to lead the delivery of a comprehensive HR service within Harris Garrard Academy. This pivotal role is responsible for managing the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, safeguarding compliance, payroll administration, absence management, performance processes and staff development. You will provide professional HR support to leaders and staff, ensuring all employment practices are compliant, efficient, and aligned with statutory requirements and academy policies.

Harris Garrard Academy is an all-through 3–18 academy with approximately 1500 pupils on roll, based in Thamesmead in a purpose-built building designed by Norman Foster. The academy joined the Harris Federation as a sponsored academy in September 2017 and was rated GOOD in all areas in the 2021 Ofsted inspection. We are on a journey towards “Outstanding”, led by highly experienced executive principals with proven track records of school transformation.

Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. We believe in a supportive, challenging and accountable team culture to ensure students achieve their potential and are fully prepared for life beyond the academy.

Why work at Harris Garrard Academy?
- Be involved in the continued transformation of a school
- Work in a stunning environment nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture
- Join a highly motivated team led by experienced senior leaders
- Access a free on-site gym and staff sport clubs
- Benefit from the support of a successful academy group with a strong central team
- Enjoy a generous Harris rewards and benefits package

Main Areas of Responsibility include:
- Taking full responsibility for the Single Central Register
- Ensuring all visitors, contractors and staff have appropriate clearance in line with safeguarding policies and DfE guidance
- Overseeing fire evacuation marking for staff and visitors
- Managing the recruitment process including checks, induction and legal compliance
- Maintaining and archiving personnel files
- Administering staff resignations and exit interviews
- Managing probationary periods and performance line management procedures
- Producing annual pay progression tracking reports
- Ensuring adherence to HR policies
- Maintaining registers of staff medical conditions and needs
- Organising staff training bookings and administration
- Keeping internal portals updated with staff details
- Administering payroll and amendments
- Conducting stress and pregnancy risk assessments
- Scheduling and managing absence meetings and liaising with Occupational Health
- Organising and minuting individual staff meetings
- Producing staff correspondence
- Administering staff benefit applications and the Annual Census return
- Producing HR reports for Governors, audits and inspections
- Undertaking regular Safer Recruitment training
- Liaising with payroll and pension providers regarding pension processes

Experience
- Experience of working in a school environment is desirable
- Proven ability to manage the full employee lifecycle and HR processes

About you
- Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to build and sustain professional relationships at all levels
- Appreciation of sensitivity, confidentiality and adherence to Data Protection
- Excellent administrative and advanced ICT skills
- Excellent listening and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with attention to detail
- Good telephone manner
- Flexible, adaptable and able to use own initiative and work independently

Qualifications
- CIPD qualified or working towards qualification