HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES Interim

Our client, a prestigious educational facility in Oxford, is seeking to appoint an interim Head of HR for a maternity cover contract. This role will start at the beginning of April and run to the end of the calendar year. The successful candidate will be a skilled HR generalist with the experience necessary to enable them to lead all HR matters across the organisation. The Head of HR will also oversee the business’s payroll processing and therefore relevant experience, including a working knowledge on pensions, is required.

In addition to a sound understanding of employment law and HR practice, the role will require strong communication skills, a practical hands-on approach, and a natural empathy with colleagues at all levels. Whilst experience in an educational setting is not necessarily required the successful candidate will need to have a good understanding of the complexities and culture of working in HR in such a setting and will need to gain an understanding of all compliance matters, in particular safer recruitment.

The Head of HR will lead a small team of two part time HR Officers and will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team. Given the structure of the team you will be expected to carry out a variety of tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

This list is not exhaustive and will include additional responsibilities.

• Overseeing ensuring compliance with all matters of safer recruitment and employment including oversight of the Single Central Register.
• Providing accurate and professional advice and guidance to all colleagues whilst ensuring compliance with all aspects of employment law.
• Recruiting all colleagues in accordance with safer recruitment practices.
• Supporting with the induction, training and development of colleagues.
• Overseeing and processing the company salary, pension and benefits.
• Developing, updating and implementing HR policies, plans and procedures.
• Maintaining the HR information system (CIPHR) and colleague records.
• Producing all HR documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR.

Suitable candidates will have the following attributes:

Qualifications:

• CIPD Level 7 of equivalent experience.
• Sound knowledge of current employment legislation.

Experience:

• Demonstrable experience in a generalist HR role, preferably at a senior level, within an education or regulated setting.
• Experience of managing payroll and its processes.
• Experience of working with an HR system- Ideally CIPHR.
• Experience of providing advice and support to a senior leadership team or management board.

Skills:

• A clear and succinct communicator
• Strong management and organisational skills
• Detail orientated
• A practical, hands-on approach and a willingness to engage with all colleagues.
• Ability to be adaptable and solve problems
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Commitment to the protection and safeguarding and wellbeing of children
• Adept at working under pressure and with competing priorities

Personal Qualities:

• Willingness to share expertise, skills and knowledge and ability to encourage others to follow suit
• Is resilient and demonstrates ability to work in a variety of settings
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Sensitivity to the needs of others
• Openness and willingness to address and discuss relevant issues

This role is an office based role and is offered on a full or part time basis.