HR Operations Manager

HR Operations Manager

Role Purpose

The HR Operations Manager will lead the HR Operations function, ensuring the delivery of efficient, compliant, and high-quality HR and Payroll services. This role oversees HR Administration, Payroll, Benefits, and Reward, ensuring robust processes, operational excellence, and compliance with employment law and data protection regulations across all regions.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and develop the HR Operations team, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service delivery.
• Manage the HRIS, ensuring data integrity, strong reporting capabilities, and continuous system improvement.
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll queries, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing.

Payroll & Compliance

• Oversee end-to-end monthly payroll operations for multiple regions, including reconciliation, approvals, and compliance.
• Monitor changes in employment and payroll legislation and implement updates accordingly.
• Ensure GDPR and data protection compliance across all employee data, systems, and third-party providers.

Benefits & Reward

• Manage employee benefits and reward programmes, including renewals, cost control, scheme design, and communications.
• Conduct equal pay and market benchmarking reviews to ensure internal fairness and external competitiveness.
• Lead implementation of legislative changes related to benefits and reward (eg, EU Pay Directive).

Supporting People Strategy

• Partner with the People/HR Leadership team to build scalable operational capability and support strategic HR initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance employee experience, and improve service delivery.
• Provide data trends, insights, and operational reporting to support decision-making.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong payroll management experience (ideally across multiple regions such as the UK & Ireland).
• Comprehensive knowledge of end-to-end payroll processes, employment law, and GDPR.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• CIPD or CIPP qualification (Level 5 or higher).
• Experience managing benefits and reward programmes.
• Previous experience working within a multi-country organisation.

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements