Job type
PermanentLocation
ManchesterWorking Pattern
Flexible Working,Full-timeSpecialism
Hr ManagementIndustry
Banking & Financial ServicesPay
£70,000 + Bonus
HR Operations Team Lead | Permanent | £70,000 + Bonus | Manchester | Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)
Your New Company
A leading organisation within the professional services sector, due to undergo a HR transformation, is currently seeking a HR Operations Manager to join and lead their team.
A pivotal moment to join a business investing heavily in its people, processes, and long‑term HR strategy.
You will be based in Manchester centre 3 times per week, working closely with the UK and European HR teams, as well as global colleagues across Australia and beyond.
This is a highly visible role within the HR leadership structure, offering the opportunity to shape the future of HR Operations across the UK and wider.
Occasional Travel (Once a quarter to London).
Your New Role
As HR Operations Manager, you will lead the end‑to‑end HR Operations function, overseeing everything from candidate administration through to employee exits. You will manage a team of four (three HR ops professionals plus an intern), ensuring high performance, continuous development, and operational excellence.
You will report directly to a senior HR leader and act as the escalation point for complex HR matters across the UK and Europe. You will also play a key role in the HR Managers forum and contribute to strategic discussions about the future of HR Operations.
Key elements of the role include:
- Leading, coaching, and developing a high‑performing HR Operations team.
- Owning the HR & TA operational agenda, with a focus on BAU excellence.
- Supporting an upcoming merge within the HR function.
- Driving process improvement, automation, and transformation initiatives.
- Championing self‑service and optimising the use of the HRIS.
- Analysing HR metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Managing escalations and complex operational queries.
- Working closely with global HR Operations teams to align future initiatives.
- Supporting data privacy, data forums, and employee experience improvements.
- Communicate process changes and updates across HR and business leaders.
- Preparing the function for future KPIs and long‑term goals (e.g. 2027 vision).
This is a role for someone who wants to be visible, influential, and hands‑on — someone who can innovate, challenge, and shape the future of HR Operations in a regulated, fast‑paced environment.
What You Will Need to Succeed
To thrive in this role, you will bring:
- Strong HR Operations leadership experience, ideally within a regulated or professional services environment
- A deep understanding of end‑to‑end HR processes, with exposure to recruitment/TA operations.
- Proven experience driving process improvement, automation, and operational efficiency.
- Confidence working with HR systems.
- The ability to influence, innovate, and set best‑practice standards.
- Experience managing escalations and complex HR matters.
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to work across UK, European, and global teams.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build a profile in a new location.
- A passion for developing teams and embedding a high‑performance culture.
Benefits
- Highly Competitive Performance Bonus (paid x2 per year)
- Pension Scheme
- Healthcare Plans
- High visibility within the HR leadership team
- Opportunity to shape a newly transitioned HR Operations function
- Career development within a growing Manchester HR hub
- Plus others.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
