Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more.   

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated HR Officer to support the operation of HR services Ormiston Rivers Academy. This is a hugely important role in our academy, covering all aspects of our daily HR operations from conducting pre-employment checks and facilitating new starter inductions to supporting line managers with key processes such as probationary reviews and absence management.

You’ll also play a key role in the delivery of our people priorities, ensuring that Ormiston is a place that people want to join and stay part of.  

This role is fast paced, varied and dynamic, offering opportunities to work with HR stakeholders across all layers of the organisation. You will benefit from the support of a fantastic, experienced HR team in the Ormiston central team.

This role is perfect for someone looking for experience in a large MAT and will provide exposure to all aspects of HR at many levels, from onboarding, absence management and staff development. The successful candidate will be a confident relationship builder with excellent communication skills and have a good operational understanding of employment law and HR best practice. 

We are looking for someone with:

• A CIPD qualification or relevant experience in HR – ideally in an educational setting
• Previous experience of providing HR support to managers and other stakeholders
• Knowledge and understanding of HR processes and procedures
• The ability to analyse HR data to produce metrics and analytics
• High-level organisational skills, accurate attention to detail and the ability to prioritise
• The ability to build relationships with all staff at various levels within the organisation
• Knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education and safeguarding duties.

About Ormiston Rivers Academy

Ormiston Rivers Academy is based in Essex. The school is an 11-19 co-educational academy with 1,077 students.

At Ormiston Rivers, we believe education is about more than just qualifications, it is about preparing young people for life. We work tirelessly to ensure our students aim high, embrace ambition, and develop the confidence, resilience, and character needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Our mission is simple: every student will progress, thrive, and ultimately give back to the communities that shaped them.

Our curriculum ensures that academic success, creativity, problem solving, reliability, responsibility and resilience, as well as physical development, well-being and mental health are key elements that support the development of the whole child and promote a positive attitude to learning and enable them to become well-rounded, global citizens.

Why work for Ormiston?

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.  

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys… 

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive 

• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve 

• Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities 

• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits 

As a staff member at an Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) academy, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional development, personal well-being, and work-life balance. While specific benefits may vary slightly between individual academies, the core offerings across the Trust include: 

• A collaborative space where people feel respected, empowered, and truly valued 

• A nationwide school network offering shared resources and opportunities.  

• Flexible working arrangements 

• Automatic pay progression   

• Generous pension and life cover 

• Discounts on retail, travel and leisure through our benefits platform 

• Access to discounts including the Blue Light Card  

• Cycle to work scheme  

• Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service. 

If you are passionate about making a difference and are ready to lead in a challenging yet rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you. 

To apply for the role, please submit an application via the link above by the closing date. Please note that CVs will not be accepted. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Ormiston Rivers Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.  Flexible working opportunities will be considered.   

All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.  

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974  

All the academy policies can be found here: Policies