Recruitment and People Manager

Are you an ambitious recruitment and HR professional with a passion for working in the not for profit sector? Would you like to work for an exciting and fast growing education charity, where you will lead on all recruitment and people duties? Ark Start is a growing start-up nursery venture within the Ark charity. Their mission is to ensure that every child has access to excellent early years education, and that families benefit from flexible and affordable childcare. They currently have 5 nurseries and have ambitious plans to expand to at least 12 over the next two years. Ark Start is building a dynamic, purpose-driven team to deliver on this vision. They currently have around 50 employees working across the sites.To support this growth, Ark Start is seeking an experienced and passionate Recruitment and People Manager to lead on recruitment, talent, HR and organisational development. This is a unique opportunity for a values led HR professional to shape the people strategy of a high-impact, fast-paced start-up while being supported by the wider Ark People Team. The organisation is located in White City, with the nurseries based across London. Ark offers flexible working hours, including core hours and some remote working. The role will require someone who will prioritise in-person working, meaning being able to work from the office and their nursery sites 3-4 days per week.Reporting into the Operations Director, some of the key responsibilities of this exciting permanent role include:Leading the end-to-end recruitment and onboarding for all nursery-based rolesDeveloping and implementing effective talent attraction strategiesBuilding partnerships with external organisations to support candidate pipelinesSupporting staff induction, probation, and performance processesMaintaining and updating HR policies, systems, and proceduresProviding first-line support on HR queries and employee relations mattersOverseeing monthly payroll checks in line with policiesPromoting a positive, inclusive workplace cultureUsing data and feedback to drive continuous improvement in recruitment and people practicesProviding HR metrics and insights to support leadership decision-makingThe ideal candidate will be CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent) with at least five years’ experience in HR, including recruitment and employee relations. This could suit someone in a standalone HR role within a small charity or a recruitment-focused position, looking to broaden their experience across a wider HR remit. You will have a strong understanding of employment law and best practice, alongside excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. A passion for social justice and early years education is essential, as is the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growing environment. Integrity, ambition and resilience are key to match the pace and exciting aspirations of Ark Start, where initiative and enterprise are highly prized and rewarded.The interview process will consist of two stages, and this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and is an equal opportunities employer.For more information on this unique and interesting role, please get in touch.

Created: 2025-09-11