HR Manager

Introduction

At The Early Years Academy, we are a people-first company that believes in the power of nurturing relationships – not only with children and families, but with the people who make it all possible: our staff.

As HR Manager, you will be responsible for leading a values-driven HR function that ensures our team members feel safe, supported, and empowered at every stage of their journey. You will combine strategic HR leadership with hands-on operational delivery, working across employee relations, change management, recruitment, wellbeing, compliance, and workforce planning.

This is an opportunity to shape the culture of a growing, ambitious early years organisation that places people at the heart of everything we do.

About The Early Years Academy

The Early Years Academy is a values-led, family-run group of 5 nurseries with a bold vision: to create meaningful childhoods through awe and wonder in every moment. With settings across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and Shropshire, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and education for children—and a nurturing, empowering workplace for the people who make it happen. Guided by our ethos of Belonging, Being, and Becoming, and underpinned by our core values of Passion, Ambition, and Respect, we are proud to be a place where both children and professionals can truly thrive.

Our Ethos and Values

Belonging – We build trusting, respectful relationships where people feel valued and heard.

Being – We meet people where they are, creating space for growth, learning, and wellbeing.

Becoming – We support staff to realise their full potential in a culture of reflection and improvement.

Our values of Respect, Passion, and Ambition are at the centre of how we support our team.

Key ResponsibilitiesEmployee Relations & Culture

• Manage and resolve employee relations issues, including investigations, performance, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Provide fair, consistent, and empathetic guidance to managers on complex employee situations.
• Take overall accountability for HR casework, ensuring it aligns with company policies, legislation, and values.
• Lead on TUPE processes, staffing restructures, and organisational change with a people-centred approach.
• Use data and insight from casework and exit questionnaires to identify trends, improve leadership practice, and inform the people strategy.
• Document all employee relations matters clearly and professionally, maintaining GDPR-compliant records.

Strategic HR Leadership

• Work closely with the COO and Senior Leaders to align HR strategy with business goals and growth plans.
• Champion initiatives that promote positive culture, employee wellbeing, and high engagement.
• Provide operational and project-based HR support to managers across settings, contributing to effective day-to-day people leadership.
• Maintain HR policies and procedures in line with current employment legislation and the needs of a regulated early years environment.
• Lead on the implementation of new HR systems and improvements, including digital processes, training, and audits.

Coaching, Compliance & Leadership Development

• Facilitate leadership training and coaching on topics such as performance management, conflict resolution, and respectful workplace culture.
• Support managers to reflect on case outcomes and apply learnings to improve confidence and decision-making.
• Collaborate with nursery leaders to ensure Ofsted, safeguarding, and safer recruitment requirements are embedded in all HR practice.
• Promote HR compliance through robust sickness and absence monitoring, documentation, and investigations.
• Support the implementation and development of work-based Level 3 qualifications, working with internal and external partners to build leadership capacity.

Recruitment, Retention & Workforce Development

• Support recruitment planning and onboarding to attract and retain talent who share our values.
• Lead on exit processes and feedback analysis, contributing to continuous improvement in staff experience and retention.
• Identify workforce development opportunities and help drive internal progression and recognition strategies.
• Actively support and coach managers to grow confidence in recruitment decision-making and probationary reviews.

Professional Competency Pathway

Level 1 – Trusted Operational Advisor

• Provides clear, practical guidance and manages day-to-day HR activities with care and compliance.

Level 2 – Strategic Partner

• Leads people-focused initiatives and supports business leaders to build high-performing, emotionally intelligent teams.

Level 3 – Cultural Architect & Influencer

• Shapes HR policy, culture, and workforce strategy across the organisation. Influences external networks and represents The EYA as a sector leader in people management.

Safeguarding and Legal Compliance

This role involves regulated activity and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

The postholder must:

• Understand and adhere to safer recruitment and child protection guidelines.
• Ensure all HR practices meet the requirements of Ofsted and relevant education legislation.
• Handle all data and sensitive employee information in line with GDPR and company confidentiality policies.

Person Specification

Essential:

• CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent experience).
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR policy, and employee relations best practice.
• Experience leading investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, and performance processes.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and situations with discretion, empathy, and fairness.
• Experience advising leaders and coaching on complex people issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and resolve conflict.
• Analytical mindset with experience using HR data to inform decisions.
• Experience working in the early years sector.
• Familiarity with Ofsted and statutory requirements related to staffing and safeguarding.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly across nursery sites.

Desirable:

• Experience managing change in a dynamic, values-led organisation.
• Knowledge of UKVI and immigration procedures related to employment.

Personal Attributes:

• Calm, confident, and solutions-focused.
• Emotionally intelligent and highly approachable.
• Commercially aware, yet people-first in mindset.
• Passionate about early years, team wellbeing, and cultural transformation.
• Optimistic and resilient – able to manage multiple priorities and changing demands.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From £40,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 25 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Childcare
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Store discount

Work Location: In person