School Business Manager - HR Focus Orchards Federation Posted

Job Title:

School Business Manager HR Focus
School name:
The Orchards Federation

Working Pattern:
Full-time 37 hours per week (4 days will be considered)/ Term-time + 3 weeks
Contract Type:
Permanent
Salary:
Grade H scp 27 - 31 £ 38,220 - £41,771
Actual Salary: £34,406 - £37,603

The Orchards Federation is a vibrant, inclusive, and high-achieving group of primary schools committed to providing an excellent education for all our pupils. We are also dedicated to creating a positive, supportive working environment for our staff. As our school community grows, we are seeking a skilled and proactive School Business Manager (SBM) HR Focus to join our central team, working under the direction of the Federation Operations Manager.

The SBM HR will play a key role in supporting the effective running of the school’s HR function. You will provide high-quality advice and guidance to leaders and staff across a wide range of HR matters, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements, and school policies.

• Provide timely and accurate HR advice to senior leaders, line managers, and staff.
• Support the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, induction, and exit processes.
• Advise on employee relations matters such as sickness management, performance, conduct, and capability.
• Maintain accurate HR records, produce reports, and ensure compliance with safeguarding and GDPR requirements, including the Single Central Record (SCR).
• Coordinate safer recruitment processes, including DBS checks and pre-employment vetting.
• Assist with workforce planning, policy development, and HR projects.
• Support staff wellbeing, training, and development initiatives.

We are looking for a confident and knowledgeable HR professional who can work independently, build strong relationships, and handle sensitive situations with professionalism.

• Experience working in HR, ideally in an education or public-sector setting.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail with a confidential and approachable manner.
• CIPD Level 3 or above (or working towards) I or a relevant NVQ level 4 qualification is essential.

• A supportive, friendly, and ambitious Federation community.
• A genuine commitment to professional development and wellbeing
• Competitive salary and local government pension scheme.
• A role where you can make a meaningful difference for staff and pupils.

A visit to the Federation would be welcomed. These are available on the following date:

Wednesday 7th January, 2026

Please contact Kirstin Middleton, Federation Operations Manager on to arrange a visit, or have a conversation about the role.

Closing date:
Monday 12th January, 2026
Short Listing:
Tuesday 13th January, 2026
Interview:
Friday 16th January, 2026

Interview process:
School based tasks, followed by a panel interview
Completed applications should be returned to recruitme

The School is committed to safer recruitment practice, and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and a barred list check.

• Bolton Council Schools (Officers) 2022 - Application Form
• Introduction to The Orchards Federation
• Job Description and Person Specification

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