Head of HR Operations

Ashley Kate HR; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A nationally recognised organisation in Westminster is seeking a Head of HR & Operations to shape and lead HR and operational functions. The role requires an experienced HR leader adept at legal compliance, staff engagement, and strategic planning, with strong communication skills and the ability to work in a sensitive environment. Responsibilities include leading HR strategies, managing payroll, and acting as a safeguarding lead. This is a unique opportunity to impact a values-driven organisation during a pivotal growth phase.

Qualifications

• Experienced HR leader with strong judgement and communication skills.
• Able to operate confidently at senior levels in complex environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and discretion in sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's HR strategy, ensuring legal compliance.
• Develop initiatives to improve staff engagement and wellbeing.
• Act as Safeguarding Lead ensuring compliance.
• Manage complex HR cases and oversee health and safety.
• Deliver payroll accurately, either in-house or outsourced.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to foster collaboration.

Skills

Proven leadership of an HR function

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience planning and delivering projects

Excellent interpersonal skills

High discretion and professionalism

Experience managing payroll

MCIPD accreditation or equivalent

Experience working with volunteers

Education

MCIPD accreditation or equivalent experience

Job description

We are delighted to be working with a nationally recognised organisation to recruit a brand new Head of HR & Operations. Working on site in Westminster 1- 2 days a week, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR leader to shape and lead people and operational functions within a values-driven, fast-paced organisation operating in a high-profile environment.

Reporting to the senior leadership team, the Head of HR & Operations will lead the organisation's HR and operational services, ensuring legal compliance, sustainable organisational performance, and an inclusive, positive employee experience.

You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, championing best practice in people management, safeguarding, and organisational effectiveness. The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery and oversight of HR, office operations, IT services, and health & safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the organisation's HR strategy, covering employment law and policy, recruitment and retention, learning and development, reward, payroll, and employee relations.
• Develop and implement initiatives to improve staff engagement, wellbeing, and satisfaction.
• Act as the organisation's Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust safeguarding policies and compliance.
• Lead the strategy for office‑based, remote, and hybrid working.
• Take responsibility for the Federal Party Office and oversee health and safety for all staff, regardless of location.
• Provide expert HR advice on complex and sensitive cases across the wider organisation.
• Ensure payroll is delivered accurately and on time, either in‑house or via an outsourced provider.
• Prepare reports and present to committees and governance bodies.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and support a collaborative culture focused on growth and organisational success.

Head of HR & Operations

You will be an experienced HR leader with strong judgement, excellent communication skills, and the credibility to operate confidently at senior level in a complex, sensitive environment.

Essential experience and skills include:

• Proven leadership of an HR function.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Experience planning and delivering medium- to long‑term projects and engagement activity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to different working styles and seniority levels.
• High levels of discretion and professionalism in sensitive situations.
• Experience managing payroll, either directly or through an external provider.
• MCIPD accreditation or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with volunteers.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact within a values‑led organisation at a pivotal time, shaping people strategy and operational delivery while supporting engagement and organisational growth.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Jacqui Wall 0203 8001500

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we’re happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.