Job Description
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PLEASE COMPLETE OUR ONLINE APPLICATION FORM FOR CONSIDERATION FOR THIS ROLE: https://hr.breathehr.com/v/hr-manager-jesters-childcare-46743
Contract: 20 hours per week across 5 days, permanent.
Chelmsford based. Hybrid working - across 4 childcare settings in and around the city and from home.
"Everything is possible, even the impossible." Mary Poppins
Jesters Childcare are an Early Years and Wrap Around service with sites in Beaulieu - Chelmsford, Bicknacre and Danbury. We are committed to giving every child the best possible start in life. Our teams are warm, dedicated and passionate about early years and education - and we're looking for an HR Manager who shares that passion for people.
The Role
As our HR Manager, you will be the driving force behind a positive, supportive and high-performing workplace culture across all Jesters Childcare sites. You'll lead on HR strategy, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure our settings remain exceptional places to work and learn.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the HR function across multiple nursery and Out of School settings.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding and retention of early years practitioners and support staff.
- Provide expert guidance on employee relations, performance management and HR policy.
- Ensure compliance with employment law, safeguarding requirements and sector-specific regulations.
- Support managers with training, coaching and professional development planning.
- Maintain accurate HR records, reporting and workforce planning.
- Champion wellbeing, engagement and a positive organisational culture.
- Drive continuous improvement in HR processes and staff experience.
About You
You'll thrive in this role if you are:
- An experienced HR professional (CIPD Level 5+ desirable).
- Confident managing HR across multiple sites.
- Skilled in employee relations, recruitment and HR best practice.
- Passionate about supporting teams who work with children.
- Highly organised, proactive and able to build strong relationships at all levels.
- Knowledgeable about safeguarding and safer recruitment (or willing to train).
"There's nowhere to go but up." Mary Poppins
Careers soar at Jesters - spread your wings today!
PLEASE NOTE That unfortunately, this role does not meet the government's requirements for a Skilled Worker VISA, so we are unable to offer sponsorship.
Information about the School
Our Vision – Building futures for the next generation
At our 4 established Early Years settings in Beaulieu, Bicknacre and Danbury, Jesters is here to help every baby and child flourish and reach their full potential through a holistic childcare service for 0-12 year olds. We are an exemplar place of learning- through play, fun, and unique experiences and ‘Ambitions’. Our Early Years Team enjoy variety and excitement in their teaching and learn from outstanding international pedagogy ensuring every day is fulfilling.
Our Hybrid Approach to childcare, education and playwork has been developed by our expert management core including qualified teachers, to encompass the very best practice from respected childcare methods across the world. It is fluid and innovative – supporting our vision.
As a Social Enterprise- Community Interest Company (CIC), Jesters puts children and families at the heart of our service, improving the quality of our local communities’ lives alongside running a healthy, sustainable business.
We are looking to expand our brilliant team across all settings as our dynamic business continues to evolve and thrive.
‘Here at Jesters we strive to offer the very best service, to be an exemplar place of learning through play, the ‘go to place’ for childcare. Therefore we only recruit people who excite us, have passion and stamina.’ Alison Doherty, Jesters Managing Director
For the lucky candidates, the rewards match these expectations. We are an aspirational childcare service, ‘building futures’ not only for every child in our care, but for our dedicated employees too…