On behalf of our client, we are recruiting an experienced HR Operations Manager to lead and develop the HR Operations function. This role will ensure the delivery of a consistent, compliant and customer-focused HR service across the organisation. The position oversees a team and works closely with colleagues responsible for HR data and HR projects. The role is full time and offers hybrid working.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining efficient HR processes, supporting proactive recruitment activity and ensuring accurate data management within the organisation’s HR information system.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership
• Lead, coach and support HR administrative teams to deliver a high-quality HR operations service.
• Oversee day-to-day activities including onboarding, offboarding, lifecycle administration, contract coordination, probation processes and employment checks.
• Act as the escalation point for complex HR queries, ensuring timely, consistent and accurate advice.
First Line Advisory Support
• Manage the delivery of first-line HR guidance across areas such as absence, conduct, capability, policy interpretation, family-friendly processes and general terms and conditions.
• Ensure advice is compliant, practical and aligned with organisational needs.
Compliance & Policy Governance
• Maintain and update HR policies in line with UK employment legislation and organisational requirements.
• Ensure full compliance across right-to-work checks, data protection obligations, secure data handling and audit processes.
• Support the review and development of policies in partnership with key stakeholders.
HR Data, Reporting & HRIS
• Oversee the accuracy, integrity and reporting of HR data.
• Support effective utilisation of the HRIS, including workflow oversight, problem-solving, data quality checks and process improvement.
• Produce regular HR metrics and insights to inform senior management.
Continuous Improvement
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance HR processes, increase efficiency and improve employee experience.
• Support the adoption of best practice across HR operations and contribute to modernising the employee lifecycle.
Talent Acquisition Oversight
• Ensure recruitment activity is delivered in a timely and compliant manner across varying contract types.
• Monitor recruitment metrics such as time to hire and retention.
• Manage recruitment-related budgets, including agency spend and external service providers.
• Support continuous improvement of the recruitment process, including interview standards, HRIS utilisation and fairness across all hiring practices.
• Collaborate on exit-related insights to inform improvements to reward, recognition and engagement strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Build effective working relationships with HR, finance, payroll and operational leaders.
• Ensure a collaborative, service-focused approach to HR delivery.

Skills & Experience
*Experience in an HR Operations Manager or senior HR operations role.
• Strong background in HR administration and lifecycle processes.
• Experience leading HR support teams.
• Working knowledge of HR information systems.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR compliance.
• High attention to detail in HR data management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work at pace and manage competing priorities.
• CIPD Level 5.