Senior HR Administrator

Grade E Annual Salary £27,803 to £30,296

Permanent position - 37 hours a week, all year round (with some scope for flexible working)

Based at Woodford Primary School, occasional visits to school sites may be required.

Do you have significant practical experience of HR administration & payroll in a school or public sector environment including payroll and people-related data systems? If you are looking to develop your career in a supportive team environment and in a growing organisation, this role could provide the opportunity to take the next exciting step in your journey.

WeST is a complex schools trust that is maturing rapidly, and this post provides an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with students and staff at its heart, built on an extensive track record of excellence. 

Our Trust consists of 26 schools (in both primary and secondary phases) and West Learning Institute (WLI). Our schools are in relatively close geographical proximity to one another, across south Devon, Plymouth and south-east Cornwall. We are positioned in the heart of the south-west peninsula, a stone’s throw from some of the most picturesque countryside and coastal locations in the UK.

The Trust is an exciting place to work, with lots of aspirational professionals – and other occupational benefits too which come as part of your employment through WeST:

·       Regular CPD opportunities, as well as support to achieve CIPP qualifications through the apprenticeship Levy or other appropriate routes.

·       A defined HR career structure.

·       Generous contractual provisions around maternity, annual leave and sick pay.

·       Membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, one of the most generous schemes in the UK, with high employer contributions through national provider Peninsula Pensions.

·       Free eye tests and contributions towards VDU use glasses.

·       The opportunity to buy a bike or the latest Tech through our Cycle and Tech schemes. You pay nothing upfront and the payments are taken tax efficiently from your salary through salary sacrifice.

·       An Employee Assistance Programme to all of our employees.

·       Access to community sports centre gym facilities (based in secondary schools)

What does the role involve?

Individuals in this role will have an aptitude for resolving day-to-day problems independently, an excellent understanding and working knowledge of HR-related administration, operational knowledge of employment law and routine employee relations issues related to their areas of work. They will also be committed to working to Trust values, have a working philosophy of continuous improvement and willingness to develop professional practice excellence to meet the changing demands of the role and as part of a team.

The postholder will report to an HR Business Partner and will supervise the day-to-day work of an HR Assistant.

The HR Senior Administrator will be responsible for and take ownership of the full range of contractual administrative and payroll/pension-related tasks, liaising with the Trust’s managed services provider and will oversee the development of the HR Assistant to their full potential. 

The post-holder will be acting as a first point of contact for enquiries, signposting managers to appropriate operational HR Policies and procedures and providing best practice support on a broad range of routine employee relations matters.

Stakeholder management is key and there will be a high level of interaction with colleagues at all levels in the provision of support, advice and guidance.

We are highly supportive of team members’ personal development and would support the post-holder in working towards CIPP or other equivalent and relevant professional qualification level appropriate to the post, or necessary for career progression to the next level. Support will be provided to enable this via apprenticeships or other appropriate routes.

For an informal discussion regarding this role please contact Jocelyn Davis, Director of People, on mob. 07799730789 or Fiona MacLachlan-Morris, HR Business Partner, on mob: 07796119821.

If you believe you can demonstrate the dedication, knowledge and passion required, we look forward to receiving your application. Further details and an application form can be found on our website or our TES page. Completed applications should be returned to recruitment@west.org.uk by 9 am on Monday 13 November or via our TES page*. 

*PLEASE NOTE: The Trust reserves the right to call suitable candidates for interview on receipt of applications prior to the date above, and may close the vacancy early if a successful appointment is made, otherwise we anticipate holding interviews early November.

 We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS check is required for this post.

A copy of our Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding Policy is available at:

https://www.westst.org.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=2101&type=pdf