HR Administrator - School / Education Sector
Holywood, Northern Ireland BT18
Full-Time | Permanent | NJC Points 17-20 | £31,022 - £32,597 per annum
Sullivan Upper School is a highly regarded co-educational and interdenominational grammar school in Holywood, Northern Ireland, providing both Secondary and Preparatory education. We are seeking an organised and proactive HR Administrator / School HR Administrator to join our support team.
This is a key role supporting recruitment, safeguarding compliance, HR systems, payroll coordination, and staff administration across the full employee lifecycle.
The Role: HR Administrator (Education Sector)
Working closely with the Bursar, Principal and Senior Leadership Team, you will provide a professional and efficient HR service, ensuring all staffing processes are accurately managed and fully compliant.
This role is ideal for candidates with experience as a School HR Administrator, HR Officer, HR Assistant, or Recruitment Administrator within an education or public sector environment.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment & Onboarding
• Manage end-to-end recruitment processes (advertising, shortlisting, interviews, offers)
• Prepare interview packs, documentation and scoring materials
• Carry out safeguarding checks including Access NI, references, right to work and qualifications
• Issue contracts and coordinate onboarding and induction processes
• Liaise with payroll on new starter information
• Maintain accurate recruitment records and HR filing systems
HR Administration & Systems
• Act as first point of contact for HR queries
• Maintain HR systems (SIMS or equivalent) and personnel records
• Update contracts, job descriptions and staff handbook
• Complete statutory HR returns and workforce reporting
• Administer staff benefits and ensure GDPR compliance
Attendance & Employee Lifecycle
• Monitor staff attendance, absence and leave records
• Support return-to-work processes and absence management
• Administer maternity, paternity and other leave schemes
• Manage leavers, exits and system access removal
• Ensure payroll is updated with all contractual changes
Performance, Training & Compliance
• Support annual staff reviews and PRSD processes
• Maintain CPD and mandatory training records (Safeguarding, GDPR, Fire Safety)
• Assist with HR casework including absence, discipline, grievance and performance matters
Assist with administration and development of school’s HR Policies
• Support safeguarding compliance and HR policy implementation across the school
About You
• Experience in HR administration
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail• Excellent Communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally
• Knowledge of recruitment processes, HR systems and payroll coordination
• Understanding of safeguarding and GDPR compliance
• CIPD qualification (or working towards) desirable
Why Join Us?
• Work in a respected and high-performing grammar school
• Supportive leadership and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to develop HR expertise in the education sector
• Continuous professional development opportunities
Apply Now
Closing Date: 13th May 2026, 12:00 pm
Additional relevant skills: HR Administrator, School HR Administrator, HR Officer Education, HR Assistant School, Recruitment Administrator, HR Coordinator, Education HR Officer, Bursar Office HR, HR & Payroll Administrator, Safeguarding Administrator