HR Manager

Company: PEN Group

Position: HR Manager

Location: ON-SITE, London, UK

Employment Type: Full-Time, Monday to Friday

Salary: £55K – £60K Per Annum (Depending on work experience)

About Us

Planet Education Networks (PEN) is a network of universities, partners and affiliates. It is made up of 7 different companies, with the Elizabeth School of London being one of them. Here at PEN, we are committed to providing a first-class learning experience to students from diverse backgrounds. Our goal is to help students achieve their academic and personal aspirations through a supportive and inclusive learning environment. We have campuses and offices in 6 major cities within the UK, as well as offices across the world, including Bangladesh, Italy, China, India and Vietnam. We are a diverse and multinational company, and we are seeking like-minded, passionate individuals to help us progress even further.

Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage the HR Function for Planet Education Networks Group / Wider Group, providing advice and guidance to the Company’s leadership team and business managers on employment issues.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with senior leadership and the Board to align HR strategy with business goals, providing expert guidance on workforce planning, change management, and organizational development.
• Provide sound, commercial and solutions-focused advice on the full range of HR issues, with expertise in recruitment, selection, disciplinary, grievance, employee relations, etc.
• Act as coach as well as an advisor to managers on performance issues and conflict resolution.
• Lead the development of a high-performance, inclusive, and positive workplace culture by implementing employee engagement strategies and ensuring alignment with company values and goals.
• Oversee talent management initiatives including performance management, succession planning, skills development, and leadership training to support long-term growth and retention.
• Manage all day-to-day people-related operations and strategy including policy, processes, people initiatives, etc.
• Develop, review, update and implement HR policies according to compliance and business needs.
• Regularly review and enhance HR policies and processes to ensure compliance with employment law, alignment with business objectives, and effective operational delivery.
• Deliver training to line managers in key HR areas.
• Advise on compensation and benefits.
• Prepare and manage all personnel administration related to payroll, pension, reward, communication, etc.
• Maintain long-term sickness and find a better solution.
• Managing the pre-employment checking process for new starters, including references, DBS disclosure, right-to-work information, etc.
• Consulting with other departments and Managers with various projects and completing other HR-related tasks as and when required.
• Ensure legal compliance throughout human resource management.
• Liaising with HMRC/Home Office regarding compliance review or any investigation.
• Ensure consistency of HR practices across all entities within the PEN Group, balancing local compliance requirements with global HR standards and strategic alignment.
• Utilize HR data and analytics to inform decision-making, identify trends, and develop solutions that improve employee performance, retention, and satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement in HR processes and systems, identifying opportunities for efficiency, automation, and digital enhancement to support scalable growth.

Requirements:

• A minimum HR degree or a CIPD Level 5 or equivalent.
• At least 4-5 years or more of experience in an HR position, preferably in the education sector.
• People-oriented and results-driven.
• Strong employment relations experiences.
• Demonstrable experience with HR data, metrics and reporting.
• Ability to manage employee remuneration and incentive systems.
• A solid understanding of employment and contractual law.
• Interest in people development.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening and negotiation skills.
• Organisational and decision-making skills.
• A dynamic part of a high-performing team.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Capacity for change and flexibility.
• Experience of working with multi-cultural employees.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt/plan accordingly.
• Ability to run the team effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure to tight dead lines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Company Sick Policy.
• Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
• Career development opportunities
• Training and self-development opportunities.
• Gym membership discounts
• Retail discount schemes
• Cinema discounts
• Grocery discounts
• Cycle to work
• Investing and savings opportunities
• Financial wellbeing – personal debt advise.
• Financial wellbeing education
• My Mind Pal (mental fitness)