Senior HR Operations Manager

Overview
We’re supporting a well-established, multi-site Higher Education organisation in the appointment of a Senior HR Operations Manager to join their HR leadership team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Reporting directly to the Head of HR, this role will take ownership of HR operations across a diverse UK workforce, ensuring the delivery of efficient, compliant, and high-quality HR services within a Higher Education setting.

This is a key role focused on driving operational excellence, enhancing systems and processes, and shaping performance and reward practices to support a high-performing organisational culture.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of HR operations across multiple UK locations
• Manage, coach, and develop an HR operations team
• Act as the subject matter expert for HR systems (HRIS), processes, and data integrity
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline HR processes and enhance efficiency
• Oversee HR metrics, reporting, and data insights to support senior leadership decision-making
• Ensure all employee data and records are maintained accurately and in line with compliance requirements
• Own and manage right-to-work checks and ensure full legislative compliance
• Monitor changes in employment law and ensure HR practices remain compliant
• Support the Head of HR in delivering key HR projects and transformation initiatives

What We’re Looking For

• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or above)
• Strong experience within HR Operations / HR Shared Services / HR Systems
• Proven experience managing HR processes across multi-site or multi-region environments
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application
• Experience improving HR systems, processes, and operational efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop teams
• Commercially aware with the ability to influence and support senior stakeholders
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and ability to prioritise effectively
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and able to take ownership

Key Outcomes

• Deliver a high-quality, customer-focused HR service across the full employee lifecycle
• Drive effective HR projects and change initiatives
• Implement and embed performance, pay, and reward practices
• Strengthen HR systems, reporting, and data-driven decision making

Additional Information

This role is fully onsite in Greenford (5 days per week)

The position is offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a positive, inclusive, and compliant working environment

Interested?

If you’re an experienced HR Operations professional who enjoys improving systems, leading teams, and making a tangible impact — we’d love to hear from you.

All applications will be handled with strict confidentiality.