HR Manager – Bilingual French/English

About the role

We are seeking a bilingual French‑English HR Manager to lead the day‑to‑day HR function for a multicultural education organisation in London. Reporting to the Head of Finance & Administration and working closely with senior leadership, you will provide both operational and strategic HR support while ensuring compliance with UK legislation.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the full employee lifecycle – recruitment, onboarding, relations and off‑boarding.
• Advise managers on performance, absence, disciplinary and grievance matters.
• Coordinate safer recruitment processes and complete all pre‑employment checks.
• Maintain HR compliance, safeguarding records, the Single Central Register and employment documentation.
• Oversee visa sponsorship, right‑to‑work checks and immigration compliance.
• Prepare monthly payroll information and liaise with the external payroll provider.
• Maintain employee records, contracts, HR systems and personnel files.
• Produce HR reports and management information for senior leadership and the board.
• Review, implement and communicate HR policies and procedures.
• Support staff engagement, wellbeing and retention initiatives.
• Line‑manage the HR Assistant and drive continuous improvement of HR processes.

Required profile

• Fluent in French and English, written and spoken.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a generalist HR role.
• CIPD Level 5 qualified or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Proven experience managing employee‑relations cases and advising managers.
• Experience of recruitment, onboarding, HR administration and payroll preparation.
• Knowledge of visa sponsorship and right‑to‑work compliance.
• Experience in education, charity or other regulated environments is advantageous.
• Understanding of safeguarding, DBS checks and the Single Central Register is a plus.
• Ability to work in an international or bilingual environment.
• Well‑organised, discreet and able to manage multiple priorities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Salary around £50,000 per year, negotiable based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.