Global HR Operations Lead

Empiric; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Empiric is seeking a Global Head of HR Operations to design and lead a modern, scalable HR service delivery model from the ground up. This greenfield leadership role will own the global operating framework and drive a Workday deployment across 25 countries.

You will build a high-performing global shared services function, implement end-to-end hire-to-retire processes, ensure data hygiene and compliance, and partner with Finance, IT, Payroll, and Legal to deliver exceptional service to 3,500+

Qualifications

• Experience leading HR Operations and Shared Services in international organizations.
• Track record of implementing global HR models with Workday or similar cloud HCMs.
• Experience managing large transformations, carve-outs, or post-merger integrations.
• Deep knowledge of end-to-end hire-to-retire processes and global compliance.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead a global HR Operations team across regions.
• Oversee a Workday deployment across 25 countries.
• Establish a modern, multi-tier HR shared services model with SLAs.
• Standardize end-to-end hire-to-retire processes and automation.
• Ensure global data hygiene, privacy compliance and analytics.

Skills

HR Leadership

Workday

Global Matrix Mgmt

Vendor Management

Process Transformation

Tools

Workday

Job description

Location: London, England (hybrid working)

Type: Permanent

About the Opportunity

Are you a strategic HR leader with a builder’s mindset? We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Global Head of HR Operations to establish, scale, and lead a modern HR Service Delivery model from the ground up.

In this greenfield leadership role, you will own the design of our global HR operating framework, lead a seamless Enterprise HR System deployment (Workday), and embed a high-performing global shared services capability.

If you thrive in high-growth environments, excel at transformation, and love bridging the gap between strategy and execution, this opportunity is built for you.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Build & Lead the Global Function: Architect and lead a high-performing global HR Operations team, including Regional Cluster Leads, Service Excellence, and Lifecycle Admin.
• Drive Large-Scale Transformation: Prepare and lead the organization through a major Workday go-live across 25 countries, transitioning project deliverables into a sustainable, long-term operational model.
• Establish HR Shared Services: Build out a modern, multi-tiered service capability with structured escalation pathways, clear SLA governance, and employee-first case management.
• Process Excellence & Automation: Serve as the global process owner for end-to-end hire-to-retire journeys, driving process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Data & Compliance Management: Maintain rigorous standards for global HR data hygiene, privacy compliance, regulatory alignment, and operational analytics.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate closely with Finance, IT, Payroll, and Legal leaders while managing key external HR service providers.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven HR Leadership: Significant background heading HR Operations, Shared Services, or HR Transformation across complex, international matrix organizations.
• System & Model Implementation: Demonstrated track record of operationalising global HR models, specifically with Workday (or similar enterprise cloud HCMs).
• Transformation & Separation: Experience managing major corporate transformations, carve-outs, or post-merger integrations—including stabilising operations post-go-live.
• End-to-End Lifecycle Expertise: Deep knowledge of hire-to-retire operational frameworks, global compliance, and case management tools.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Mastery: Skilled at managing global third-party vendor contracts and influencing executive-level stakeholders across functions.
• Direct Ownership: Full accountability for global operational standards, service catalogs, and HR KPIs supporting 3,500+ team members worldwide.
• Strategic Authority: Final sign-off on global HR operational workflows, escalation mechanisms, and continuous improvement frameworks.