Hr Manager

Position Details Employer : Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) Locations : Sheffield, Nottingham, Norwich, Northampton Contract type : Permanent, Full Time Salary : £40,000 – £58,000 (Grade 5) Post date : 5th December Expires : 5th January Overview A new opportunity to shape and lead HR delivery across a group of GDST schools within our cluster model. This pivotal role is for someone who thrives in a busy, multi-site environment, confident in providing senior‑level HR advice while overseeing critical operational processes. Working closely with the Cluster Director of Finance & Operations and the People & Culture team at Trust Office, you will ensure each school within the cluster receives a consistent, compliant and impactful HR service, line‑manage HR Officers, promote excellent people practices and act as the first point of escalation for employee relations issues. This role offers an excellent chance to build a cohesive HR approach across several schools, contribute to a supportive HR community within the GDST, and play a key role in embedding the cluster operating model successfully. What You'll Be Doing Provide expert HR advice and oversight across all schools in the cluster, ensuring alignment with GDST policies, legal requirements and safer recruitment expectations. Lead, guide and develop HR Officers, oversee the accuracy of HR processes such as payroll, SCR compliance and onboarding. Act as the first point of escalation for employee relations issues and support managers across schools. Work with People & Culture Business Partners on complex casework, organisational change, and ensure consistency across the Trust. Use data dashboards to identify patterns and emerging issues, helping school leaders take timely action on absence, performance, ER trends and compliance. Be a central figure in the smooth running of HR operations across the cluster, combining professional expertise, coaching skills and the ability to deliver at pace. What Skills and Experience You'll Bring to the Role CIPD Level 5 (essential), Level 7 or equivalent experience desirable. Strong generalist HR experience, with significant employee relations expertise and experience advising at senior levels. Experience managing HR services across multi‑site environments. Demonstrable line management experience and the ability to develop others. Confident handling sensitive and complex cases with tact, diplomacy and sound judgement. Strong understanding of safer recruitment and SCR compliance (education experience helpful but not essential). Ability to analyse HR data and produce insightful reports and recommendations. Excellent written communication, organisational skills and attention to detail. Ability to build positive working relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels. Confidence working autonomously, prioritising effectively and maintaining accuracy in a busy and varied workload. High levels of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism. Who We Are The Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK's leading group of 24 independent girls' schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose : to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all. The Organisation's Values Serve As Guiding Principles We put girls first. We think and act fearlessly. We embrace a forward‑thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls. We are a family of schools. We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff. Benefits Competitive salaries and pay progression. Access to extensive professional development opportunities. Training grants for qualifications. Discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools. Generous pension schemes. Free life assurance benefit. Interest‑free loans for training, computer purchase and travel season tickets. Cycle-to-Work scheme. Competitive terms and conditions of employment. Safeguarding Statement The Girls' Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. #J-18808-Ljbffr