Job Description
Set in a beautiful central Cambridge location , with the rare benefit of on-site parking, this is a hands-on, operational HR role offering real variety and impact. Working closely with the HR Director and HR Administrator, you will play a key role in delivering a responsive, compliant, and people-focused HR service across the School.
This opportunity would suit an HR professional who enjoys building trusted relationships, managing cases, and contributing to a values-led organisation with a strong commitment to safeguarding and staff wellbeing.
As HR Coordinator, you will support the full employee lifecycle and provide practical HR guidance to managers and staff, ensuring compliance with employment law, safer recruitment, and safeguarding requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing core HR processes including absence, probation, appraisals, and employee relations matters
- Supporting recruitment and safer recruitment processes, including offers, contracts, variations, and leaver documentation
- Maintaining accurate HR records in line with GDPR requirements
- Coaching and advising managers on HR policies, procedures, and best practice
- Managing absence cases, including maternity, occupational health referrals, and phased returns
- Attending disciplinary, grievance, and capability meetings as the HR representative
- Supporting safeguarding compliance and reporting in collaboration with the Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Maintaining HR systems, resources, and SharePoint pages
- Contributing to HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives
- Liaising with Finance to support accurate and timely payroll processing
- Supporting learning and development activities
You will also provide cover within the HR team during peak periods and offer wider administrative support when required.
You will be a confident, discreet, and proactive HR professional with solid generalist experience and a strong operational mindset.
Essential:
- HR qualification (e.g. CIPD) or equivalent practical experience
- Proven experience across HR operations, including absence, probation, and employee relations
- Good working knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
- Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office, HR systems, SharePoint)
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- High attention to detail and a strong respect for confidentiality
- Commitment to safeguarding and safer recruitment principles
Desirable:
- CIPD Associate membership or above
- Experience within education or a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
- Knowledge of KCSIE and safeguarding compliance
- Coaching or mediation skills
- Central Cambridge location with on-site parking
- Salary up to 35,000 depending on experience
- Supportive HR leadership and positive working culture
- Opportunity to work within a respected, values-driven organisation
EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.
