Job Description
Join Us as an HR Advisor!
Location: Milton Keynes / Bromsgrove
Salary: Up to £32,500 per annum (dependent on experience)
Why Work With Us?
At Polaris, we are on a mission to transform the lives of children and young people. As we continue to grow our education provision, we are looking for an experienced and proactive HR Advisor to join our dynamic team. This is your chance to make a real impact in the education sector!
What We Offer:
* 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays
* Company pension scheme
* Life insurance (2x salary)
* Employee discount scheme
* Free on-site parking
Your Role:
As an HR Advisor, you will play a key role in supporting our schools and education settings. You will provide day-to-day HR and employee relations support, ensuring that our advice is consistent, pragmatic, and compliant with education sector expectations.
This position is based in one of our hubs in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove, with the flexibility of hybrid working. You will engage regularly with schools and may need to travel across the UK, including occasional overnight stays.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide first-line HR and employee relations support to headteachers and school leadership teams.
* Lead employee relations cases, including investigations and disciplinary processes.
* Advise managers on absence management, performance concerns, and employee wellbeing.
* Manage employee lifecycle activities, including maternity leave and flexible working requests.
* Support organisational change, including restructures and TUPE-related activities.
* Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, maintaining safeguarding standards.
* Build strong, trusted relationships with school leaders as a professional HR partner.
* Maintain confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism at all times.
About You:
You are an organized and confident HR professional who balances compliance with a people-centered approach. You thrive in dynamic environments and are eager to support school leaders in achieving their goals.
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Proven HR and employee relations experience.
* Strong communication skills with the ability to influence school leaders.
* Ability to manage a high volume and varied caseload.
* Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
* Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
* Full driving license and access to a vehicle.
Desirable Skills:
* Experience in supporting schools or education settings.
* Experience in a multi-site or regional HR role.
* CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards).
* Experience with complex or sensitive employee relations cases.
About Polaris:
We are Polaris, one of the UK's leading communities of children's service providers. For over 30 years, we have passionately improved the lives of young people through our independent fostering and adoption agencies, children's residential homes, schools, and bespoke services.
Join us in our mission to support the best outcomes for every child in our care. We believe in the potential of our children, families, and staff, and we are ambitious for their futures.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role resonates with you, we would love to hear from you! Interviews will take place on-site in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove, starting the week of May 18th.
Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.