Head of HR Operations – London
c£85,000–£95,000 + 20% bonus + package | Hybrid (3 days onsite)
We’re partnering with a large, purpose-led national organisation delivering essential services and facilities across the UK to recruit a Head of HR Operations. This senior leadership role offers real influence, shaping how HR services, systems, and data support over 1,000 colleagues nationwide.
If you’re an HR Operations leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, driving digital transformation, and delivering a first-class employee experience at scale, this is a rare and exciting opportunity.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you’ll lead a centralised, Workday-enabled HR Operations function across payroll, benefits, HR systems, data, compliance, and transactional services. You’ll manage three senior leaders and their teams, ensuring HR Ops is efficient, compliant, customer-focused, and future-ready.
You’ll also sit on the HR and wider Senior Leadership Team, helping shape the organisation’s people strategy through insight, governance, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing HR Operations leadership team
- Own payroll, benefits, and outsourced provider relationships
- Drive HR systems optimisation, automation, and digital transformation
- Ensure accurate, high-quality people data and analytics for senior leaders and the Board
- Oversee HR policies, governance, and employment law compliance
- Embed a strong service ethos and continuous improvement mindset
- Champion diversity, equity & inclusion across HR operations
- Lead employee engagement surveys and Investors in People activity
About You
You’ll bring:
- Senior HR Operations leadership experience in complex, multi-site organisations
- Strong payroll and benefits oversight (including outsourced models)
- HR systems and data expertise (Workday preferred)
- Deep knowledge of UK employment legislation
- Commercial, analytical, and delivery-focused mindset
- Credibility to influence at senior leadership level
- Collaborative, values-led, and inclusive leadership style
CIPD qualification preferred. Experience in sectors such as facilities management, infrastructure, logistics, or large service businesses is advantageous.
Location & Working Pattern
- Contractually based in London
- Hybrid working – expectation of 3 days onsite
- Leading a largely remote HR Ops team
- Occasional UK travel to operational sites
- Role is full-time but flexible 4-day week arrangements can be considered
Why Join?
- Stable, purpose-led organisation with long-term partnerships
- Large-scale, complex people operation with real impact
- Modern HR tech stack with genuine influence
- High-trust, high-standards culture
- Opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in HR Operations
If you’ve led HR Operations at scale and are ready for a role with real strategic and operational impact, we’d love to hear from you.