Job Description

Company Overview

The British Academy of Jewellery is a training provider offering L3 Apprenticeships in Jewellery, L3 Diploma in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing, Business Diplomas and Higher Education courses, HND and BAs. BAJ provides courses that can be privately funded, co-funded, or funded through Advanced Learner Loan or Tuition Loans from Student Finance England. The company has locations in London Camden, London Euston, West Midlands (Leicester and Birmingham), Sheffield, and Nottingham.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced HR professional to take ownership of the HR function in a stand-alone capacity. This role combines both operational and strategic responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on stabilising core HR processes and supporting the organisation through a period of transition.

The successful candidate will manage the full employee lifecycle, oversee payroll coordination, provide guidance on employee relations, and act as a trusted partner to managers and staff. They will play a key role in supporting the Academy's strategic direction while ensuring compliance, clarity, and consistency across all people processes.

This is a hands-on role that requires resilience, adaptability, and a solutions-driven mindset. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment and be motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact.

Responsibilities

This role carries sole responsibility for the HR function. Main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Manage the full employee lifecycle from recruitment to exit, ensuring all processes are legally compliant and aligned with best practice. Draft job descriptions, publish adverts, coordinate recruitment exercises, support hiring managers with interviews, and deliver effective onboarding and induction processes. Maintain accurate employee records, contracts, and ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and regulatory requirements. Manage and maintain the HRIS system (Bright HR), ensuring data accuracy and reporting as required. Oversee the HR inbox and act as the first point of contact for employee queries, providing timely and professional responses. Support managers in handling employee relations matters (grievances, disciplinaries, absence, performance) with fairness, consistency, and professionalism. Provide clear and transparent communication to staff and help foster a culture of trust and openness. In liaison with Finance and the external payroll provider, ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, resolving discrepancies swiftly. Maintain up-to-date training records, coordinate mandatory training, and support ongoing learning and development initiatives. Act as Level 1 user of the Sponsor Management System (SMS), ensuring timely updates on Skilled Worker visa changes and compliance with Home Office requirements. Support strategic HR improvement projects, process development, and policy updates as required. Work closely with management to align staffing levels and structures with evolving business needs. Support management in maintaining morale during periods of change, reinforcing trust and stability. Assist senior leadership in delivering regular staff updates and communications

Person Specification

Strong HR generalist experience, with at least 5 years in a generalist HR role (Essential). CIPD qualified to at least Level 5, or working towards (Essential). Experience within the Education sector would be advantageous but not essential. Demonstrated ability to operate in a stand-alone HR role, taking ownership of the function without reliance on a wider team. Hands-on, proactive approach. Experience administering and maintaining HRIS systems (e.g. BrightHR). Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice, with the ability to apply it in practice. Proven experience supporting employee relations matters (grievances, disciplinaries, performance, absence) with fairness and consistency. Excellent communication skills -- able to provide clear, empathetic, and transparent updates during times of uncertainty. High level of resilience and adaptability, with experience in fast-paced environments. Ability to prioritise effectively and make sound judgements under pressure. Strong attention to detail with excellent organisational and record-keeping skills. A positive, can-do attitude with the confidence to challenge and influence where necessary. Ability to build trust and credibility quickly with staff and managers. Discretion and integrity when handling sensitive or confidential information.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

London NW1 8AR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:

HR : 3 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London NW1 8AR