People Relations Manager - Fixed-term Maternity Cover
Ref: 126320
Hours of work: 37 hours per week
Salary: £43,533 to £46,182 per annum
Location: Based in Wakefield, with some travel to Castleford and Selby College sites.
This role will provide maternity leave cover until approximately October 2027, or until the substantive post holder returns.
Are you looking for your next leadership challenge in an organisation that is continually evolving?
At The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, our People Services team plays a key role in supporting organisational success. We are seeking someone with significant experience in employee relations to lead our advisory service on a fixed-term basis.
Reporting to the Director of People Services, you will ensure the delivery of a professional, responsive and high-quality people relations service across the Group. You will play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting our people, processes and systems, while driving continuous improvement in line with our People Strategy.
Working closely with the Advisory team, you will oversee all employee relations casework, providing expert guidance and support on investigations, disciplinary and grievance matters, attendance management, organisational change and other staffing issues. Acting as a trusted adviser on complex and sensitive cases, you will help ensure a consistent and customer-focused approach to service delivery across the Group. You will also oversee and support the continuous development of our recruitment and retention activities.
The ability to provide professional guidance, support and constructive challenge is essential. By building strong relationships with colleagues across the Group, you will play a key role in developing confidence and capability in people management practices while ensuring organisational objectives continue to be met.
The successful candidate will have:
- Proven experience of managing and/or supporting a team delivering a high-volume employee relations service.
- Significant experience of advising on and overseeing complex employee relations casework, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability and organisational change matters.
- Experience of coaching and supporting colleagues to build confidence and capability in people management practices.
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience of reviewing and improving HR processes and services to drive efficiency and enhance customer experience.
- Experience of recruitment and selection practices.
- CIPD Level 5 qualification or above.
In addition to working with a friendly and support team, our benefits also include:
- 37 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and up to a further 5 days when the College is closed in December.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted Metro Card Scheme
- Access to a wide range of high street discounts
- Personal and professional development opportunities
Closing Date: Monday 17 August 2026
Direct applicants only, no agency CVs.
