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