HR Manager

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join our OFSTED Outstanding Special School.  As we launch our new site, Briarwood South, Knowle we are expanding our HR Team and welcoming new colleagues to be part of this exciting next chapter.

Thank you for your interest in the post HR Manager for Briarwood School.  This is a great opportunity for the right person to join the school at an exciting time in our development as an organisation as we grow to support pupils across the City; we are due to open the new school in September 2026.

About Us

We are a cross-phase special school operating over 4 sites with 6 schools, supporting 200+ staff members and 220 pupils. We recognise the benefits of inter-school collaboration and the sharing of best practice to improve teaching, learning and ultimately attainment for all our children. Together we work as an innovative learning community. Our commitment to supporting and encouraging a love for lifelong learning for everyone extends to our whole community and we are proud of the way we are able to build relationships, creating opportunities for pupils and staff alike to thrive.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Operations, we are looking for someone who can lead our HR team to deliver our strategic aims. The best candidate for this role will be a visible and inspirational leader, with experience of leadership and management at this level as well as relevant professional qualifications. They will be able to build effective relationships across a network of stakeholders and deliver a HR partnering programme across our schools.

About You

You will be a visible leader, who is strategic and people focused, passionate about shaping workplace culture whilst driving organisational success through its people. You thrive in environments where you can foster inclusivity, with a proven ability to work closely with Senior and Executive Leaders. You will be committed to developing talent, building strong and purpose driven relationships and culture across the School. You will have significant senior HR experience, including a proven track record in an HR Management role, an excellent understanding of the education sector with extensive experience of developing effective HR systems, policies and procedures whilst leading on the reporting of workforce based data and providing strategic analysis for different audiences.

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the sections of the Person Specification

The role will build HR capability and capacity across our School to ensure the delivery of a high quality, efficient, and effective HR service. 

As a key member of our HR team, the postholder will deliver a professional, forward thinking, and comprehensive HR operational service. The role will provide proactive, practical, and high quality HR advice and support to Senior and Executive leaders, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, education sector requirements, policies, and best practice. The postholder will enable strong, effective, and efficient people management, supporting organisational performance, workforce engagement, and positive employee relations across our School.

The successful candidate will need to be able to travel between schools.

 The post is 37 hours per week, all year round.

Closing Date: 31st March 2026 at 11.59pm

Interview Date: To be Confirmed

Start Date: As soon as possible dependent on notice period and DBS clearance.

Briarwood School is committed to providing Equal Opportunities for its pupils and staff and safeguarding children. All employees must have an enhanced DBS clearance (this will be carried out by the school if you are successful).