About Us
First Steps Together Group provides specialist education, residential care and transport services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
As our organisation continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced and strategic People Services Manager to lead our HR and People function across the Group. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our workforce, support organisational growth and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people through outstanding people practices.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Executive Team you will lead the People Services team and oversee all aspects of HR, recruitment, learning and development, employee relations and workforce planning across our specialist schools, children's homes and transport services.
You'll play a key role in developing our people strategy while ensuring operational excellence, legal compliance and the highest standards of safeguarding.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Group's People Services strategy.
- Manage the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment through to retention and career development.
- Provide expert HR advice on employee relations, performance management and employment law.
- Lead recruitment campaigns and ensure compliance with safer recruitment practices.
- Oversee workforce planning, succession planning and organisational development.
- Develop learning and development programmes and ensure mandatory training compliance.
- Maintain compliance with Ofsted, KCSIE, employment legislation and safeguarding requirements.
- Produce workforce reports and HR metrics to support business decisions.
- Lead, coach and develop the People Services team.
- Promote employee wellbeing, engagement and an inclusive workplace culture.
About You
We're looking for an experienced HR professional who is passionate about developing people and creating positive workplace cultures.
You'll ideally have:
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (Level 7 desirable).
- At least five years' experience in a senior HR management role.
- Experience within education, children's services, healthcare or another regulated environment.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations.
- Experience managing recruitment, workforce planning and organisational change.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people.
A full UK driving licence is essential. An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Company pension
- 28 days annual leave including Bank Holidays
- Funded professional development and CPD
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation
- Mileage reimbursement for business travel
- A supportive, collaborative and values-led working environment
Why Join First Steps Together Group?
At First Steps Together Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that by investing in our colleagues, we create better outcomes for the children and young people we support. If you're an ambitious HR leader looking to make a meaningful impact within a growing organisation, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of our workforce while changing lives.
Pay: £45,000.00-£53,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
