Human Resources Manager
An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Woodlands for an experienced, professional, and highly motivated individual to join our team as Human Resources Manager. This is a key role within the organisation, working closely with the Executive Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic and operational HR leadership across the school.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that The Woodlands continues to provide high-quality HR support and guidance, enabling leaders to effectively manage and develop our workforce while maintaining compliance with employment legislation and best practice.
This role requires an experienced HR professional with a strong understanding of employee relations, organisational change, recruitment, workforce development, and policy implementation. The post holder will lead on a wide range of HR matters, supporting leaders through complex staffing issues while contributing to the ongoing development of systems, processes, and organisational culture.
You will provide expert advice and guidance to managers, lead on formal HR processes, support workforce planning and development, and contribute to strategic projects that help drive continuous improvement across the organisation.
We are looking for someone who:
• Has substantial experience of managing complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of employment law and best practice in HR management.
• Has experience providing professional HR advice and support to senior leaders and managers.
• Can confidently lead investigations, support formal hearings, and deliver positive outcomes in complex situations.
• Has experience of working collaboratively with Trade Unions and external agencies.
• Is able to analyse workforce information, identify trends, and support leaders to implement effective solutions and interventions.
• Can contribute to organisational development, cultural change, and workforce transformation projects.
• Possesses excellent communication, presentation, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Is able to build positive, professional relationships with colleagues at all levels and maintain high levels of confidentiality and integrity.
• Shares our commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people.
Why join The Woodlands
The Woodlands is a unique and highly valued educational provision that supports some of the most vulnerable children and young people across County Durham. Our staff are passionate about removing barriers to learning and ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to succeed. Through our diverse provision, we support pupils who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, or are unable to attend school because of medical needs.
As Human Resources Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organisation by shaping workforce strategy, supporting leaders, and helping to create a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture across the school. You will join a committed and supportive leadership team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious HR professional seeking a rewarding role where they can influence strategic decision-making while maintaining a strong focus on supporting people and organisational development.
We warmly welcome and encourage prospective candidates to arrange a visit to The Woodlands. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the role, meet our team, and discover how you can contribute to making a positive difference to the lives of our pupils, staff and wider school community.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.
As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Please submit completed application forms to u1100.admin@durhamlearning.net
Closing date: 29/11/2026
Interview date: TBC
The Woodlands
Broom Road
Ferryhill
Co Durham
DL17 8AN
Tel: 01740 656040
Email: u1100.admin@durhamlearning.net
Website: https://www.thewoodlands.durham.sch.uk/
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that The Woodlands continues to provide high-quality HR support and guidance, enabling leaders to effectively manage and develop our workforce while maintaining compliance with employment legislation and best practice.
This role requires an experienced HR professional with a strong understanding of employee relations, organisational change, recruitment, workforce development, and policy implementation. The post holder will lead on a wide range of HR matters, supporting leaders through complex staffing issues while contributing to the ongoing development of systems, processes, and organisational culture.
You will provide expert advice and guidance to managers, lead on formal HR processes, support workforce planning and development, and contribute to strategic projects that help drive continuous improvement across the organisation.
We are looking for someone who:
• Has substantial experience of managing complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of employment law and best practice in HR management.
• Has experience providing professional HR advice and support to senior leaders and managers.
• Can confidently lead investigations, support formal hearings, and deliver positive outcomes in complex situations.
• Has experience of working collaboratively with Trade Unions and external agencies.
• Is able to analyse workforce information, identify trends, and support leaders to implement effective solutions and interventions.
• Can contribute to organisational development, cultural change, and workforce transformation projects.
• Possesses excellent communication, presentation, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Is able to build positive, professional relationships with colleagues at all levels and maintain high levels of confidentiality and integrity.
• Shares our commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people.
Why join The Woodlands
The Woodlands is a unique and highly valued educational provision that supports some of the most vulnerable children and young people across County Durham. Our staff are passionate about removing barriers to learning and ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to succeed. Through our diverse provision, we support pupils who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, or are unable to attend school because of medical needs.
As Human Resources Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organisation by shaping workforce strategy, supporting leaders, and helping to create a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture across the school. You will join a committed and supportive leadership team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious HR professional seeking a rewarding role where they can influence strategic decision-making while maintaining a strong focus on supporting people and organisational development.
We warmly welcome and encourage prospective candidates to arrange a visit to The Woodlands. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the role, meet our team, and discover how you can contribute to making a positive difference to the lives of our pupils, staff and wider school community.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.
As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Please submit completed application forms to u1100.admin@durhamlearning.net
Closing date: 29/11/2026
Interview date: TBC
The Woodlands
Broom Road
Ferryhill
Co Durham
DL17 8AN
Tel: 01740 656040
Email: u1100.admin@durhamlearning.net
Website: https://www.thewoodlands.durham.sch.uk/
Attachments
Salary range
- £36,581 - £40,444 per year