HR Manager

Description:

St Peter’s Catholic High School in Orrell, Wigan is seeking a dedicated HR Manager to enhance HR processes for a team of 101 staff members.

This is a brand-new role in a supportive and stable environment, perfect for an HR professional who wants to make an impact while enjoying 12 weeks off per year and an excellent pension scheme (18.3% employer contribution).

We are looking for a confident, caring professional with a passion for HR, who will play a key role in recruitment, payroll, absence management, staff training, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

🔹 Stay updated on HR legislation, best practices, and policies
🔹 Manage staff recruitment, including contracts, onboarding, and DBS checks
🔹 Handle payroll queries and oversee payroll returns
🔹 Support absence management, including Return to Work interviews
🔹 Coordinate staff CPD, training, and development programmes
🔹 Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies (Single Central Record, KCSIE)
🔹 Improve HR and administrative procedures for efficiency

Key Skills & Qualifications:

✅ Level 5 CIPD qualification or significant HR experience
✅ Knowledge of HR software systems for reporting and data
✅ Up-to-date knowledge of HR best practices and employment law
✅ Experience managing complex staffing issues
✅ GCSEs (A-C) in English and Maths, or equivalent
✅ Strong communication, organisational, and administrative skills
✅ Ability to maintain confidentiality and work under tight deadlines

💡 Desirable (but not essential):
✔️ Experience delivering training and implementing policies
✔️ Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in schools
✔️ Awareness of key challenges in the education sector

Employment Details & Benefits:

📆 Permanent position – 40 weeks per year (Term-time + 2 weeks)
⏰ Working hours: 37 hours per week (Mon-Thurs: 08:30 – 16:30, Fri: 16:00 finish)
🏡 Some flexibility on hours and remote work, depending on school needs
🚗 Free parking available
🏦 Outstanding public sector pension (18.3% employer contributions)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Large and supportive team environment