Head of Human Resources Operations

We are delighted to be partnering a global client with a newly created Head of HR Operations appointment based in Manchester. This is a time of exciting change and transformation as the Business undergoes a major shift in how it operates globally, with a new HR operating model being introduced.

Significant investment is being made in a move away from legacy systems to a large‑scale HRIS and payroll transformation programme and a likely move towards a leading enterprise HRIS platform. The Head of HR Operations will sit at the centre of this change, guiding both the day‑to‑day operations and designing the future global HR ecosystem.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced HR Operations leader to head up a diverse team (including People Ops, Data & Analytics, Global Mobility, Payroll and Governance & Policy) while driving a multi-year HR technology transformation, and a new HR operational framework. This will redefine how the People function delivers value across regions and over the coming years, the Business will be redesigning its core processes, data structures, governance, workflows, and service model for a digital-first future. Key accountabilities will include:

Leading a Tier‑1 HRIS Transformation:

• Establishing the foundations for implementation, process mapping, data governance, service design and operational readiness
• Defining how HR processes translate into system configuration and workflow
• Ensuring the operating model and technology evolve in lockstep
• Partnering closely with IT as HR technology transitions into a product‑focused ownership model
• Setting the global standards for data, reporting, and analytics usage

Build and Lead a Scalable Global People Operations Function: alongside transformation, you will oversee multi‑region operational delivery and develop an aligned People Operations model, ensuring the function is efficient, resilient, and prepared to support the Organisation’s growth, strengthening the current state while designing the future including:

• HR service delivery across the employee lifecycle
• People data, reporting, and analytics
• Global mobility operations
• Policy, governance, and operational controls
• Consistent global processes, documentation, and knowledge resources

Process Integrity, Governance & Risk Management

Self‑Service, Enablement & Knowledge Management:

• Building and maintaining the operational playbooks, knowledge libraries, workflow guides, and manager toolkits to strengthen self‑service capability across the organisation.
• Ensuring process documentation is embedded, universally understood, and actively adopted, not simply produced.

Experience & Capabilities Required

• Strong knowledge of HR technology, platforms, and digital enablement.
• Implementation and delivery of a tier-1 HRIS platform in a transformation environment (ideally Workday).
• Significant leadership experience within People Operations / HR service delivery in a global or multi‑jurisdiction environment.
• A proven ability to operate strategically while remaining hands‑on and accountable for outcomes.
• Expertise in HR operational frameworks, governance structures, data management and service delivery models.
• Demonstrable experience building scalable operating models and embedding continuous improvement.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to balance efficiency, risk, cost management, and employee experience.
• Credible leader capable of influencing senior stakeholders across HR, Finance, Risk and Technology.
• Ideally experience with Financial or Professional Services sectors or similar.

This role offers a highly competitive package, future growth opportunity and hybrid working (with an office based in Manchester).