HR & Payroll Administrator – Secondary School – Derby

A well-regarded 11–18 secondary school in Derby is seeking a highly organised and discreet HR & Payroll Administrator to join its professional support services team. This is a vital role supporting staff across the school and ensuring HR processes run smoothly, compliantly and efficiently. The school places strong value on staff wellbeing and professional culture, and this role sits at the heart of that commitment. The Role Working closely with the School Business Manager and senior leadership, you will support the full employee lifecycle , from recruitment through to payroll and ongoing staff administration. Key responsibilities include: Administering recruitment processes, contracts and pre-employment checks Managing payroll data, starters, leavers and contractual changes Maintaining accurate personnel records and HR systems Supporting absence management and staff wellbeing processes Liaising with external payroll providers and local authorities Ensuring compliance with employment legislation and safeguarding requirements Accuracy, confidentiality and professionalism are essential in this role. The School This is a Good-rated secondary school with a stable leadership team and a strong reputation for staff retention. The school has clear systems in place and values efficiency, trust and consistency across its operations. Support staff are fully integrated into the life of the school and are treated as key professionals rather than background roles. Working Environment You’ll be part of a collaborative admin and operations team where communication is open and workloads are realistic. The leadership team is approachable and supportive, and there is a clear structure around responsibilities and deadlines. Training is provided on school systems, and there is scope to develop further expertise in HR or business management over time. What the School Is Looking For Experience in HR and/or payroll administration Strong organisational and time-management skills Excellent attention to detail and discretion Confidence handling sensitive information Experience within a school or public-sector setting is desirable Why This Role Stands Out Central role supporting staff wellbeing and school operations Clear systems and supportive leadership Professional, respectful working culture Opportunities for development and progression Competitive salary reflecting responsibility An excellent opportunity for an experienced HR or Payroll Administrator seeking a meaningful role within a well-led secondary school.