Head Of HR Operations

Pertemps; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR service provider in London seeks a Head of HR Operations to lead its HR function for a Royal College. This senior role involves managing recruitment, payroll, and employee relations while ensuring compliance with UK employment law. Candidates should possess senior HR experience and strong leadership skills. The position offers a hybrid working pattern with 2 days in the office and 3 days remote. Ideal for proactive individuals focused on strategic HR objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing HR operations at a senior level.
• Strong analytical skills, producing HR metrics and reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR operational function including recruitment and payroll.
• Deputise for the Director of HR when needed.
• Line-manage HR staff, ensuring their development.

Skills

Senior HR management experience

CIPD Membership

Knowledge of UK employment law

Team leadership

Complex employee relations management

HR policy development

Interpersonal and communication skills

GDPR compliance

Analytical skills

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Education

Full Chartered Membership of the CIPD

Job description

Head of HR Operations

Reporting: HR Director & Location: Central London
Hourly rate: £36.00 – £40.00 (dependent upon experience)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Starting date: Monday 5 January 2026
Interviews: Monday 15 December 2025
Contract: Until 29 May 2026
Hybrid working pattern: 2 days office, 3 days remote working

We are recruiting for a Head of HR Operations to the HR team at a Royal College based in central London. This is a high-profile, senior position where you will be responsible for leading and delivering an efficient HR operational function, including recruitment, payroll, employee relations, HR systems, and supporting the College’s strategic HR objectives. The role is ideal for someone with senior HR experience, strong leadership skills, and a proactive, solution-focused approach.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing HR operations at a senior level, including recruitment, payroll, employee relations, and HR systems.
• Full Chartered Membership of the CIPD
• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law.
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing HR teams.
• Ability to manage complex employee relations cases and lead organisational change.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and performance management frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Confident in managing sensitive and confidential information, ensuring GDPR compliance.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience producing HR metrics, KPIs, and strategic reporting.
• Commitment to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion in operational HR practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the HR operational function, including recruitment, payroll, performance management, employee relations, secondments, and service provision agreements.
• Deputise for the Director of HR as required.
• Line‑manage HR staff, ensuring development, appraisal, and performance management.
• Support the review and modernisation of HR management practices.
• Assist the Director of HR in implementing strategies for senior manager engagement and organisational change.
• Maintain HR systems and processes, including staff induction, performance management, and recruitment strategy.
• Lead HR projects, restructures, and employee relations initiatives.
• Ensure timely responses to HR queries, including management of the HR Hub email.
• Maintain compliance with employment law, GDPR, and UKVI requirements.
• Support continuous improvement of HR processes, policies, and procedures.
• Provide accurate HR reporting and analysis to inform decision‑making.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a pragmatic and flexible approach.

Desirable

Experience working in a Royal College, membership organisation or regulatory body.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead HR operations in a Royal College, supporting strategic objectives, senior colleagues, and staff development while contributing to a positive, inclusive, and high‑performing work environment.