Randstad is proud to partner with a large and highly successful Multi-Academy Trust to recruit an experienced HR Manager on a temporary basis. Based at the Trust’s central Head Office in Croydon, this role sits within the central HR Operations team.

As HR Manager, you will lead a dedicated operational team, ensuring high-quality HR service delivery across a multi-site educational network. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proactive HR operational lead to drive continuous improvement, ensure compliance with statutory and safeguarding standards, and support senior leadership in a rewarding sector.

Pay Rate: £200 – £260 per day (PAYE, Dependent on Experience)

Location: Head Office, Croydon (Hybrid: 3 days in office – Mon, Weds, Fri; 2 days working from home – Tues, Thurs)

Contract Type: 3-month initial contract with potential for extension or permanent contract

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage and lead the HR Operations Team, providing guidance and support to approximately 4–5 direct reports.

• HR Operations Oversight: Oversee high-volume HR service delivery across the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, contractual changes, payroll liaison, pensions, sponsorships, employee records, and offboarding.

• Ticketing & Service Delivery: Manage the central HR ticketing system, ensuring effective allocation, prioritisation, escalation, and resolution of queries within agreed SLAs.

• KPIs & Quality Standards: Monitor performance against KPIs, SLAs, and customer service standards, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

• Policy & Process Improvement: Analyse HR operational data and query trends to recommend and implement improvements across processes, systems, policies, and employee experience.

• Safeguarding & Compliance: Take operational responsibility for safer recruitment processes and workforce compliance, ensuring statutory, safeguarding, and organisational standards are rigorously met.

• Workforce Analytics: Produce and analyse workforce data and management information to inform reporting, decision-making, and service enhancements.

• Supplier & Stakeholder Management: Build collaborative relationships with academy managers and external HR service providers (e.g., Occupational Health).

• Senior Operational Support: Deputise for the Head of HR Operations as required, delivering operational oversight, leading process/system developments, and supporting strategic priorities.

How to Apply

Interested in leading an impactful HR team within a thriving educational network? Submit your CV today to be considered for this role starting at the end of November.

Please note: As this role is based within a Multi-Academy Trust, any placement is subject to thorough background checks and vetting procedures. This includes receiving satisfactory professional references and undergoing an Enhanced DBS.