Sullivan Upper School

HR Administrator - School / Education Sector Holywood, Northern Ireland BT18 Full-Time Permanent NJC Points 17-20 £31,022 - £32,597 per annum Sullivan Upper School is a highly regarded co-educational and interdenominational grammar school in Holywood, Northern Ireland, providing both Secondary and Preparatory education. We are seeking an organised and proactive HR Administrator / School HR Administrator to join our support team. This is a key role supporting recruitment, safeguarding compliance, HR systems, payroll coordination, and staff administration across the full employee lifecycle. The Role: HR Administrator (Education Sector) Working closely with the Bursar, Principal and Senior Leadership Team, you will provide a professional and efficient HR service, ensuring all staffing processes are accurately managed and fully compliant. This role is ideal for candidates with experience as a School HR Administrator, HR Officer, HR Assistant, or Recruitment Administrator within an education or public sector environment. Key Responsibilities Recruitment & Onboarding • Manage end-to-end recruitment processes (advertising, shortlisting, interviews, offers) • Prepare interview packs, documentation and scoring materials • Carry out safeguarding checks including Access NI, references, right to work and qualifications • Issue contracts and coordinate onboarding and induction processes • Liaise with payroll on new starter information • Maintain accurate recruitment records and HR filing systems HR Administration & Systems • Act as first point of contact for HR queries • Maintain HR systems (SIMS or equivalent) and personnel records • Update contracts, job descriptions and staff handbook • Complete statutory HR returns and workforce reporting • Administer staff benefits and ensure GDPR compliance Attendance & Employee Lifecycle • Monitor staff attendance , absence and leave records • Support return-to-work processes and absence management • Administer maternity, paternity and other leave schemes • Manage leavers, exits and system access removal • Ensure payroll is updated with all contractual changes Performance, Training & Compliance • Support annual staff reviews and PRSD processes • Maintain CPD and mandatory training records (Safeguarding, GDPR, Fire Safety) • Assist with HR casework including absence, discipline, grievance and performance matters Assist with administration and development of school s HR Policies • Support safeguarding compliance and HR policy implementation across the school About You • Experience in HR administration • Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail• Excellent Communication skills • Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally • Knowledge of recruitment processes , HR systems and payroll coordination • Understanding of safeguarding and GDPR compliance • CIPD qualification (or working towards) desirable Why Join Us? • Work in a respected and high-performing grammar school • Supportive leadership and collaborative working environment • Opportunity to develop HR expertise in the education sector • Continuous professional development opportunities Apply Now Closing Date: 13th May 2026, 12:00 pm Additional relevant skills: HR Administrator, School HR Administrator, HR Officer Education, HR Assistant School, Recruitment Administrator, HR Coordinator, Education HR Officer, Bursar Office HR, HR & Payroll Administrator, Safeguarding Administrator

Personal Assistant to the Principal (PA to Headteacher) Sullivan Upper School, Holywood, Co. Down BT18 Full-Time Permanent Salary: £34,434 £37,280 (NJC Points ) Are you an experienced Personal Assistant ready to play a key role in a leading school environment? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-responsibility role where discretion and organisation are essential? Sullivan Upper School is seeking an exceptional, highly organised and proactive Personal Assistant to support the Principal in delivering both the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the school. This is a pivotal role at the centre of school life, requiring discretion, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Why Join Sullivan Upper School? Be part of a well-established, high-achieving and respected grammar school with a strong reputation for academic excellence Work closely with senior leadership , playing a key role in supporting strategic decision-making Join a professional, collaborative and supportive staff community Enjoy a varied and influential role with real impact across the school Benefit from a competitive salary and public sector terms and conditions The Role You will provide high-level executive support to the Principal while contributing to the smooth and professional running of the school. Key responsibilities include: Manage the Principal s diary, meetings, travel, and communications Prepare briefings, agendas, and documentation Attend meetings, take minutes, and track follow-up actions Handle confidential correspondence with discretion Coordinate visitors and hospitality Provide administrative support to Principal Governance & Strategic Support Support Senior Leadership Team and a number of Governors meetings (agendas, papers, minutes) Assist with School Development Plan and key strategic initiatives Support safeguarding, health & safety, and governance processes Office Leadership & Operations Line manage the school office team and oversee daily operations Maintain high standards across reception and school office Ensure efficient and professional administrative systems Admissions & Stakeholder Engagement Support admissions and SEAG transfer processes Liaise with parents, feeder schools, and external stakeholders Manage communications, newsletters, and website updates Events & Systems Support major school events such as Open Days and Prize Day Maintain MIS systems (e.g. SIMS) and ensure data accuracy Support GDPR compliance and data integrity About You Proven experience in a senior PA or executive support role Excellent written and oral communication skills Strong attention to detail; Highly proficient in handling sensitive and confidential information Experience leading or supervising staff High proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and strong general digital literacy Professional, calm, and able to work under pressure Safeguarding Sullivan Upper School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced vetting and background checks. Apply Today, Closing Date Wednesday 13th May at 12 noon Additional relevant skills: Personal Assistant, PA, Executive Assistant, Senior PA, Office Manager, Administration Manager.