Overview
Location: Multi-site across beautiful West Sussex (Hybrid working available)
Type: Full-time | Permanent
Salary: circa £35,000 per annum
Ready to Put the “Human” Back in HR?
At Little Barn Owls, we believe in nurturing not just the children in our care, but the people who make that care extraordinary. As our new HR Manager, you’ll be at the heart of a multi-award-winning Early Years group, championing a culture that’s as warm, inspiring, and vibrant as our nurseries.
This isn’t your average HR job. You won’t be stuck behind a desk pushing paper—you’ll be leading people-first policies, shaping wellbeing and development, and ensuring our teams feel supported, valued, and inspired every single day.
What You\'ll Be Doing
* Strategic Partnering: Help shape the future of our nursery group by aligning HR strategy with our values and child-centred ethos.
* Onboarding with Heart: Create smooth, safe, and welcoming starts for new team members.
* People Championing: Be the first port of call for employee relations, supporting managers with clarity, care, and confidence.
* Compliance Hero: HR audits and policy updates with precision.
* Growth Advocate: Lead performance reviews and nurture development pathways—from Level 3 apprentices to leadership coaching.
* Diversity Advocate: Make sure everyone is seen, heard, and supported—across every setting.
* Payroll Pro: Take full ownership of our monthly payroll with confidence and accuracy.
* HR Data Guru: Provide clear, meaningful insights to support wellbeing and strategic planning.
Why You\'ll Love It Here
* Make an Impact: Your work directly supports both staff and children.
* Inspire and Be Inspired: Work alongside passionate, creative educators and leaders.
* Room to Grow: We invest in your development—from CIPD funding to mental health training.
* Flexible Working: Hybrid options and autonomy over your schedule.
* Culture of Care: We don\'t just talk wellbeing—we embed it in everything we do.
About You
* A confident and compassionate HR leader with multi-site experience.
* Solid knowledge of UK employment law, with a keen understanding of Early Years or education sector compliance (Ofsted, EYFS, DBS).
* Experienced in handling ER issues with integrity and professionalism.
* Detail-oriented with payroll and HRIS systems—but always people-first.
* CIPD Level 5 qualified (or training towards).
* Proactive, pragmatic, and passionate about supporting others to thrive.
* Full driving license and access to own car.
Bonus Points If You Have
* Experience in Ofsted-regulated settings
* Familiarity with apprenticeships or Early Years qualification pathways
Travel + Flexibility
You’ll travel regularly across our beautiful nursery settings in West Sussex—so being based nearby (or happy to commute) is essential. Some remote work and flexible scheduling are available, but this is a hands-on, people-facing role where visibility and connection matter.
Ready to Join the Team?
If you’re looking for a role where HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about people, purpose, and positive change—we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help us build a workplace where everyone—from toddlers to team members—can thrive.
Screening of applicants will be conducted on a rolling basis, and interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified. Little Barn Owls reserves the right to close the vacancy at any time following a successful interview.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Childcare
* Employee discount
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Sabbatical
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Horsham RH13 8LY
Expected start date: 15/09/2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr