Job Description

We're looking for a people-first and process-savvy HR Manager (12-month Maternity Cover) to take ownership of HR operations across recruitment, checking timesheets for payroll, employee relations and compliance. This is a brilliant opportunity for a confident HR professional with a CIPD qualification (or working towards it), a sharp eye for detail and a passion for creating smooth, people-focused processes that support a thriving workplace.

• 38,220 - 41,771 FTE
• Working hours Monday to Friday, 37 or 30 hours per week
• 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Free parking
• 6.5% pension contribution
• Employee assistance programme
• On-site based in Corby

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead all HR operations in a standalone role, ensuring policies and procedures are up-to-date and followed
• Provide expert HR advice to the Leadership Team on employee relations, absence, disciplinary, and capability matters
• Maintain accurate personnel records and ensure compliance with statutory and audit requirements
• Oversee the Single Central Record for recruitment and vetting checks
• Track and report staff absence, liaising with payroll and internal teams
• Act as the main contact with the external HR provider
• Offer guidance on personnel issues for all employees
• Plan and deliver end-to-end recruitment campaigns, including job descriptions, advertising, shortlisting, interviews, and safer recruitment checks
• Administer monthly payroll changes using the EPM system and work closely with Finance to ensure accuracy
• Submit monthly absence returns and monitor payroll data

Skills and experience required:

• CIPD qualified (or working towards)
• Proven experience in HR management ideally within the public sector (school, NHS, local government)
• Strong track record in handling disciplinary, capability, and absence management cases
• End-to-end recruitment experience, including safer recruitment practices
• Payroll administration experience (preferably using EPM or similar systems)
• Experience working with unions would be ideal
• Strong interpersonal and coaching abilities to support managers
• High-level administrative and IT skills (Microsoft Office)
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Confident working independently and collaboratively with senior leadership
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines

Skills Required