School HR Manager

HR San Jose, Costa Rica


Description

Position at Centro Educacional Escuela Católica Activa, S.A.

 

 

School HR Manager Profile

 

School HR Manager

Purpose of Role

The HR Manager provides professional and well-organized HR services across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit. They are the first point of contact for staff, ensuring employee needs are balanced with regulatory requirements. The role supports employee wellbeing, fosters a positive work culture, and strengthens the school’s position as an Employer of Choice.

Reporting to: School Principal & Regional HR Director

 

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

 

School HR Manager Key Responsibilities

HR Operations

         Implement HR strategy aligned with ISP Regional Office guidelines.

         Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, employee relations, performance reviews, and exit processes.

         Manage staff records, attendance, leave, and support payroll in collaboration with Finance.

         Provide HR data and reports (e.g., turnover, cost per hire, training hours). 

Recruitment & Onboarding

         Lead end-to-end recruitment: job ads, interviews, background checks, offers, and contracts.

         Ensure a smooth onboarding process and full compliance with required documentation.

Compensation & Benefits

         Manage benefits programs, assess needs, recommend improvements, and

         oversee claims.

         Support employees with benefit information.

Payroll

         Lead payroll operations: prepare, process, review, and reconcile monthly

         payroll.

         Ensure accuracy with benefits, taxes, and deductions.

         Partner with Finance to ensure compliance and reporting.

Talent & Organizational Development

         Promote a performance culture through reviews, coaching, and training

         programs.

         Support succession planning and organizational design initiatives.

         Coordinate training requirements and track certifications.

Miscellaneous Tasks

         Provide HR-related financial information to Finance.

         Support the Principal with school administrative functions.

         Keep the organization chart, HR Handbook, and policies up to date.

         Report any staff-related Health & Safety issues to the Principal.

Health and Safety

         Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety rules and procedures.

         Take reasonable precautions to protect students, staff, and school property.

         Support the implementation of student conduct policies.

         Maintain ongoing awareness of required safety measures.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Education & Experience

         Bachelor’s degree (HR or related field) + HR certifications.

         Minimum 4 years’ HR experience.

         Bilingual: English & Spanish. 

Core Skills

         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

         Strong organizational and data management ability.

         Experience in employee relations, payroll, and benefits.

         Ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and think critically.

         Presentation and negotiation skills.

Attributes

         Empathetic, patient, and culturally aware.

         High integrity and confidentiality.

         Flexible, collaborative, and proactive attitude

 

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

 

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.