The posting
Great HR is about judgement, relationships and making a difference when it matters.
Are you the HR person managers trust when a people issue becomes complicated?
We are looking for an approachable, credible and people-focused People Officer who will be at the heart of our academy, supporting managers and employees through the moments that matter. From employee relations and sickness absence to wellbeing, payroll, appraisal and development, you will provide practical HR support that is clear, responsive and grounded in sound judgement. Alongside your HR experience, you will bring hands-on experience of payroll administration, with the accuracy, attention to detail and organisation needed to ensure employee changes are processed correctly and on time.
This is a role for someone who enjoys being close to the people they support. You will build trusted relationships, keep cases and processes moving, communicate proactively and help managers feel more confident in dealing with people matters well.
What you will be doing;
- Providing practical first-line HR advice to managers and employees on a wide range of day-to-day people matters
- Managing and supporting employee relations casework, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, conduct, performance and probation matters
- Supporting managers with short-term, long-term and complex sickness absence, attendance management and occupational health referrals.
- Helping managers identify the right approach where issues involve conduct, capability, attendance, wellbeing or development.
Keeping cases moving, following up actions and making sure managers and employees know what is happening, what is expected of them and what comes next.
Support the accurate and timely administration of payroll, including processing payroll changes, pensions admin & guidance, checking payroll data, liaising with managers and the payroll provider/team, resolving queries, and maintaining accurate records.
Administration of the annual workforce census.
Supporting appraisal, performance development and probation processes across the academy.
Contributing to staff wellbeing activity and using casework, absence data and employee feedback to identify where additional support may be needed.
Supporting CPD, learning and development activity and helping colleagues access opportunities to develop their skills.
Preparing clear, accurate correspondence and maintaining high-quality confidential case records.
Using People data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
Working closely with the wider People Team and colleagues in finance, IT, school administration and leadership to provide a joined-up service.
The experience you will bring
We are looking for someone with a CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) and/or substantial relevant HR experience, including hands-on employee relations casework.
Practical experience of advising managers and supporting employee relations matters.
Experience of sickness absence and attendance management, including more complex or long-term cases.
Sound practical knowledge of UK employment law and HR good practice.
Experience of supporting payroll administration.
The judgement to know when to advise, when to challenge and when to be escalate.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, to explain HR processes clearly and sensitively.
Strong organisation and attention to detail in managing competing cases, deadlines and priorities.
A calm, professional and objective approach to sensitive or challenging situations.
What matters to us
For us, a great People service is not only about getting the process right. It is also about how people experience that process.
- You are approachable and responsive. Managers and employees feel comfortable coming to you for help.
- You communicate proactively. People don't need to chase to find out what is happening.
- You take ownership. If you say you will do something, you follow it through.
- You are practical and solution focused while maintaining fairness, consistency and professional standards.
- You collaborate. You build positive relationships and recognise that the best People service is joined up.
You care about employee experience and handle difficult HR processes with clarity, dignity and respect.
Where you will work
The role is based at Newbridge Academy, which operates across two sites. You will work flexibly across both sites according to casework, meetings and operational requirements. This is primarily an on-site role because being visible and accessible to the people you support is an important part of the job. There is, however, potential for some hybrid working where the nature of the work allows and operational needs are met.
Why join us?
You will be joining a People function that wants HR to feel professional, human and useful. This is an opportunity to take real ownership of operational HR within an academy, work closely with leaders and managers, and have a direct impact on staff experience, wellbeing and the quality of people management. We also offer;
- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
- Generous Pension Schemes
- Family-friendly working policies
- Extensive support and development opportunities
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Refer a friend scheme
- Free onsite parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great location close to TfL Elizabeth and Central Lines
- And more…
If you enjoy employee relations, value strong relationships and want a role where good HR genuinely makes a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Astrum values diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We celebrate and embrace unique individuality, background and heritage.
We are a ‘Disability Confident Employer’ and all our application forms hide your personal information so we can focus solely on your experience, skills and qualities.
We believe in fostering a work environment that supports work-life balance. We are open to flexible working arrangements, including remote work, flexible hours, and part-time opportunities.
We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
