Senior HR Officer

Job Details

Senior HR Officer

Grade/Range   MAT Grade 6 (14-17)   

Hours per week   37 

Actual Salary (based on weeks worked)   £27,622 - £30,428   

Working Weeks   40 (Term time +2)

Location (with some flexibility) [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk], Packington Lane, Coleshill, B46 3JE   

Contract Type   Permanent 

Start Date   ASAP

About us

Unity MAT is a small but ambitious Multi Academy Trust made up of three special schools within the Warwickshire area, these being Brooke School in Rugby, Welcombe Hills School in Stratford Upon Avon and [Employer hidden] in Coleshill.

The Trust is committed to delivering high-quality education and strong operational support across our family of schools. Our Core Team provides the central services that enable our schools to focus on delivering the best outcomes for pupils. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Finance & Admin Team Leader to manage and continue developing our central finance and administration service.

The Role

The Senior HR Officer will play a key role within the Core Team, overseeing the day-to-day HR operations across the Trust. The successful candidate will supervise a team of HR officers, ensuring robust HR processes, strong compliance, and excellent service to our schools.

Reporting to the Trust HR Manager, this role is key to helping to maintain effective HR & Payroll systems and procedures that support the Trust’s operational efficiency.

It is anticipated that you will be based at [Employer hidden] in Coleshill however there will be a requirement to visit all of our schools on a regular basis in line with the needs of the service. There is also flexibility to work at our other schools and for occasional homeworking, as appropriate and agreed.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the HR service across the Trust on a day-to-day basis.
• Line manage and support members of the HR team, ensuring high standards of performance and service delivery.
• Undertake recruitment processes for internal and external roles and provide quality assurance checks on recruitment files. 
• Onboard new employees ensuring they are set up on relevant systems and co-ordinating induction with line managers
• Process leaving employees ensuring notification of leaving is acknowledged and systems are updated 
• Process contract changes and adjustments affecting payroll and undertake monthly checking of payroll reports.
• Supporting the preparation of reports, including absence management reports.
• Preparing for and assisting with reviews, e.g. audits and internal scrutiny
• Providing HR advice & dealing with queries
• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, employment legislation and statutory guidance
• Work collaboratively with schools and the Core Team to provide efficient HR support

About You

We are looking for a proactive and organised professional who combines strong HR knowledge with excellent leadership and communication skills.

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience working in a HR role, ideally within the education or public sector.
• Experience of managing or supervising staff.
• Strong knowledge of HR processes including recruitment, payroll, statutory guidance & employment law.
• Experience of HR & payroll systems (preferably Access) and MIS systems (preferably Arbor).
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues across multiple sites.
• Good IT skills and experience using of Microsoft Systems.

Reward & Benefits

We offer: 

• a competitive salary (pay award pending)
• access to the local government pension scheme & significant employer contribution (currently 18.7%)
• excellent training and development opportunities 
• enhanced employee assistance programme (including GP helpline, financial & legal advice line and carer support for employee and household members) 
• well-being app & staff discounts
• Occupational Health Service 
• a friendly and inclusive working environment
• talented, dedicated and hardworking colleagues
• Family friendly and Employee Health & Well-being policies 
• Term time working with some flexibility to take leave in term time
• Free parking

Key Dates

Closing Date:  Friday 24th April 2026 @ 9am

Shortlisting: Shortly following closing date

Interview Date:  Wednesday 29th April 2026*

*Provisional dates subject to change

For a confidential/informal discussion about the role please contact Louise Baker (HR Manager) on [contact hidden] or via email on [contact hidden] or Angela Perry (Director of Finance & Operations) on [contact hidden] or [contact hidden]

Further information

Application packs including Job Description, Person Specification, Guidance for Applicants and Application Form can be obtained from https://www.unitymat.co.uk/join-us/vacancies-1

Applications

Official application forms must be completed. CVs will not be accepted. Please see Guidance for Applicants for further details. 

Applications must be sent by email to [contact hidden] before the closing date detailed above. 

We reserve the right to close the recruitment early if a large volume of suitable applications are received.

Safer Recruitment

Unity MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow robust safer recruitment processes, including online searches, during all recruitment. Please see application pack for further details

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is eligible for an enhanced DBS check including a Children's Barring List Check.

It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all ages, backgrounds and those with disabilities.