HR Manager, Communications and Marketing Lead

What we’re looking for:

We are seeking to appoint a talented colleague to lead and manage the school's Human Resources, Recruitment and Communications functions, ensuring the delivery of professional, compliant and efficient HR services whilst developing innovative recruitment, marketing and communication strategies that strengthen the school's reputation and support the attraction, retention and development of high-quality staff.

The postholder will provide support and guidance to leaders and colleagues on HR matters, maintain compliance with employment legislation and statutory guidance, and lead the school's internal and external communications to promote and celebrate the achievements, values and ethos of The Westgate School.

There will be some flexibility regarding the hours worked in the role, that may include some home/off site working as agreed with the school, to enable the successful candidate to establish effective links with training providers

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Management

• Act as the school's lead operational contact for HR matters, providing advice and guidance to leaders and colleagues.
• Maintain effective liaison with the school's external HR provider to ensure the timely resolution of employee relations matters.
• Ensure all HR processes comply with current employment legislation, contractual obligations and school policies.
• Maintain accurate personnel records and oversee HR administration systems.
• Support and administer processes relating to recruitment, induction, absence management, disciplinary matters, grievances and investigations.
• Provide guidance to colleagues regarding maternity, paternity, adoption, parental leave, flexible working, retirement and other employment-related matters.
• Ensure the accurate completion and submission of statutory returns, including the annual School Workforce Census.
• Support the review and development of job descriptions, role profiles and organisational structures.
• Monitor developments in employment legislation and best practice, making recommendations for policy and procedural updates.
• Review and update HR policies in response to statutory requirements, guidance from the school's HR provider, legal advisors, KCSIE and Local Authority guidance.
• Take minutes at HR meetings, hearings and formal proceedings as required.
• Recruitment and Retention
• Lead the school's recruitment strategy, ensuring the implementation of effective and innovative approaches to attracting high-quality candidates.
• Develop and coordinate recruitment events and promotional activities for key staffing vacancies.
• Design and implement advertising campaigns across a range of media platforms.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with teacher training providers, universities and professional networks.
• Coordinate recruitment activities linked to Initial Teacher Training, Early Career Teachers and school-based training programmes. Oversee and administer Winchester Schools Teaching Alliance.
• Develop proactive engagement with talent pools to strengthen future recruitment opportunities.
• Promote The Westgate School as an employer of choice through positive employer branding and engagement activities.
• Ensure all recruitment processes fully comply with safer recruitment legislation and statutory guidance.
• HR Systems and Compliance
• Support payroll administration and ensure the timely completion of payroll-related processes.
• Oversee the accurate recording and monitoring of staff attendance and absence.
• Investigate opportunities to improve administrative efficiency through effective systems development and digital solutions.
• Develop and implement robust systems and procedures that ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Support safeguarding compliance through effective maintenance of staff records and recruitment documentation.
• Professional Development and Staff Support
• Take a leading role in supporting the administration and implementation of the school's Individual Professional Planning (IPP) framework.
• Support leaders in coordinating aspects of the school's professional learning and development programme.
• Contribute positively to the development of a supportive, professional and collaborative working environment.
• Provide leadership and direction to colleagues undertaking HR-related administrative responsibilities.

Communications and Marketing

• Maintain a whole-school communications calendar for parents, carers, staff, students and the wider community.
• Support communication strategies that enhance the school's profile and reputation.
• Use digital platforms, including Microsoft Sway, to create engaging, accessible communications.
• Ensure consistent messaging, house style and branding to promote the school’s core offer
• Draft press releases, publicity materials and promotional content.
• Plan and promote recruitment events, Open Mornings, Open Evenings and key school events.
• Work with IT and senior leaders to keep the website accurate, current, accessible and DfE-compliant.
• Oversee the production of pupil and colleague handbooks.
• Ensure published materials meet agreed quality standards.

Administrative Leadership

• Lead and supervise colleagues providing administrative support within HR, recruitment and communications functions.
• Promote collaborative working practices and contribute to continuous improvement across administrative services.

General Responsibilities

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in accordance with the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in relation to all school information.
• Participate in training and professional development activities as required.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibility of the post.

Person Specification

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of HR processes and employment legislation.
• Experience of recruitment and talent attraction strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of IT proficiency and confidence using digital platforms.
• Experience of project management and leading change initiatives.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Experience of producing professional publications and communications materials.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Understanding of safer recruitment requirements and safeguarding obligations.
• Experience of managing events, marketing activities or communications campaigns.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.

Desirable

• CIPD qualification or working towards professional HR accreditation.
• Experience within an educational setting or HR provider to education
• Experience of school workforce systems and payroll processes.
• Experience of website management/creative and digital communications.
• Knowledge of statutory education guidance including KCSIE and workforce regulations.