HR Manager

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form. For school vacancies please see further details online regarding their application process.

The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.

The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.

37 hours per week

This role is office-based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working.

Make a difference where it matters most

We need an experienced, motivated HR Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality HR services across the Isle of Wight Council, with a strong focus on supporting our local schools.

“This is a great time to join the Isle of Wight Council HR Team supporting Children’s Services and Schools as we are building a top-class education system for children and young people on the Island.” - HR Manager TeamIWC

This leadership role within our friendly and welcoming Human Resources service, offers a rare opportunity to combine strategic HR expertise with meaningful impact — helping to improve outcomes for children and young people by supporting the leaders and services that serve them.

If you are passionate about employee relations, policy development and people management – and if you thrive in a customer-focused, values-driven environment – this could be the ideal next step in your HR career.

By providing professional, trusted HR advice and support, you will play a vital part in helping us deliver the priorities within our wider organisational ambitions.

About the role

• Lead and manage a team of HR Advisors, delivering high-quality HR advisory services
• Act as a trusted partner to school leaders, headteachers and governors, providing clear, confident HR advice.
• Support schools through a range of HR challenges, including employee relations casework, restructures, service reviews and organisational change.
• Manage a caseload of complex and formal employee relations cases, including liaison with employment lawyers and attendance at employment tribunals.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on HR strategy, policy application and workforce change
• Play an active role within the HR Management Team, contributing to service improvement, innovation and a consistent, high-quality customer experience.
• Champion good practice across HR policies, procedures and guidance, ensuring information is accessible and relevant for schools and managers.
• Design and deliver HR and policy-related training to support leaders and managers across the Island.

Working with schools

A key part of this role is supporting schools across the Isle of Wight. You will build strong, effective relationships with school leaders and stakeholders, offering practical, solution-focused HR support that reflects the unique context of the education sector. Experience of teachers’ terms and conditions and public sector frameworks will be particularly valuable.

“By providing professional and trusted HR advice and support to these areas, you will be enabling us to achieve our key priorities and ultimately improve the outcomes for children on the Isle of Wight.” HR Manager TeamIWC

About you

You will be an experienced HR professional who brings:

• CIPD Level 7 ( or equivalent educational achievement in a relevant discipline)
• Significant experience delivering HR advice in a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, HR policy and best practice.
• Proven experience of leading and developing HR teams.
• Excellent influencing, negotiation and communication skills.
• Confidence in supporting organisational change and sensitive employee relations matters.
• The ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and school communities.

Why join us?

Make a tangible difference to schools, staff and communities on the Isle of Wight.

Be part of a supportive, professional HR leadership team.

Enjoy agile working arrangements that support your work-life balance.

Your opportunity to shape and improve HR services for the future.