HR Manager Cambridge

Location: Cambridge

Salary/Rate: £40,000 \- £45,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)

Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 06 Oct 2026

Job Reference: 4831302

Hr Manager \- Cambridge \- £40,000 to £45,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)

Hours: Monday to Friday 40 hours a week, 8am\-4pm, 52 weeks
Start date: November 2026

Are you an experienced HR Manager looking for a rewarding opportunity where your expertise can make a genuine difference? Gretton School is seeking a confident, proactive and people focused HR professional to lead its HR function across both school sites.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a broad HR remit, influence school wide practice and support a dedicated workforce that helps autistic children and young people achieve their full potential.

Your new school

Gretton School welcomes autistic children and young people aged from 5—19 years old, as weekly boarders or as day learners.

Every learner at Gretton has a diagnosis of Autism, and the ability to learn at or above the level of their mainstream peers, but require a specialist setting in order to achieve their remarkable potential.

As autism specialists, we understand that consistent daily routines and staffing helps to keep anxiety at a minimum and ensures that our learners feel safe and confident in their surroundings.

We have a high staff to learner ratio and classes are small and personal – we know each of our learners really well and employ the best strategies to support them in their everyday school life.

A broad curriculum, an emphasis on holistic development, and the development of life and social skills, means that we are able to bring out the best in all our learners, and to provide them with opportunities to flourish.

At whatever stage a young person joins Gretton, we will ensure they are happy and prepared to make the most of the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life.

Your new role

As HR Manager, you will provide proactive day\-to\-day leadership of the school’s HR function across both sites. You will manage HR systems and processes, provide trusted advice to the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, and ensure that employment practices remain compliant with legislation, school policies and safer recruitment requirements.

This is a varied and influential HR management role covering the full employee lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading recruitment and selection processes and ensuring compliance with safer recruitment practices and KCSIE requirements


• Managing employee relations matters, including disciplinary proceedings, grievances, investigations and casework


• Overseeing absence management, occupational health referrals and family leave processes


• Maintaining accurate staff records, personnel files and the Single Central Register


• Managing induction, probation and performance management processes


• Reviewing and developing HR policies, procedures, contracts, offer documentation and the Staff Handbook


• Supporting the monthly payroll process and responding to HR and pay\-related enquiries


• Managing and supporting the HR Administrator


• Overseeing staff training, learning and development activities


• Producing HR updates and reports for the Senior Leadership Team


• Monitoring staff turnover and conducting exit interviews when required


• Leading initiatives that support staff wellbeing, engagement and morale


• Providing clear, practical guidance to managers and employees on HR policies and employment matters.

You will work closely with internal colleagues and external HR advisers, including WorkNest, to manage complex employment matters and ensure the school’s HR practices remain lawful, effective and up to date. You will also play an important role in promoting constructive communication, handling confidential information sensitively and supporting positive working relationships across the school.

What you’ll need to succeed

To succeed as HR Manager, you will need a Level 5 CIPD qualification in HRM or HRD and Associate CIPD or Chartered CIPD membership.

You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of HR best practice and relevant employment legislation, particularly recruitment


• An understanding of current safeguarding legislation and practice relating to vulnerable groups


• Experience of managing an HR department and team


• Experience developing and managing HR strategies, training plans, staff policies and handbooks


• Strong experience in performance management and effective dispute resolution


• The ability to analyse statistical information and produce clear reports


• The confidence to operate at a senior HR level within a multi\-professional organisation


• The ability to apply legislation and good practice to practical workplace situations


• Strong IT skills, including experience with Google Drive and HR databases


• Excellent organisation, prioritisation and time\-management skills


• The ability to work independently, manage pressure and meet deadlines.

You will be an approachable and credible HR professional who can combine sound judgement with sensitivity and discretion. A positive, flexible and enthusiastic attitude is essential, alongside strong relationship\-building skills, an open and honest approach and a clear commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

A Level 7 CIPD qualification, previous HR experience within education or a specialist setting, and experience implementing a new HR database would be advantageous, but these are not essential.

What you'll get in return
You will receive a salary of £40,000 to £45,000, depending on your qualifications and experience, working Monday to Friday from 8\.00am to 4\.00pm across a 52 week contract. The role offers the opportunity to lead a wide\-ranging HR function and contribute directly to the continued development of a specialist school with a strong, student\-centred purpose.

You will join a supportive school community where colleagues value teamwork, creativity and positive relationships. This is an opportunity to use your HR leadership experience in an environment where effective people practice contributes directly to the quality of education, care and support provided to children and young people.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Safeguarding recruitment statement: Gretton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment, applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure \& Barring Service. We aim to be a fair employer and are committed to equal opportunities. Gretton School does not discriminate against employees on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, disability or age.

• Brett Coventry

Contact: Brett Coventry

Office: 4th Floor, 107 Cheapside,

Phone: 02072598770

Email: brett.coventry@hays.com

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