Head of HR Operations

Venn Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an HR leader to oversee the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement. This role involves strategic leadership and innovation across operational HR teams, ensuring services remain compliant and responsive. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in HR operations, particularly in higher education or public sectors.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale HR operations or shared services.
• A track record of delivering efficient, user-focused services.
• Experience in Higher Education or the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across operational HR teams.
• Deliver high-quality, customer-focused services across the employee lifecycle.
• Lead service transformation initiatives and embed new technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Change Management

Customer Service

Data Analysis

Tools

SAP SuccessFactors

Automation Technologies

AI Technologies

Job description

Location: Milton Keynes (2 – 4 days onsite per month)

Duration: Until July 2026

Salary: £59,139 to £66,537

Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday

This is a pivotal role will lead the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and consistent HR services across the entire employee lifecycle from recruitment to retirement.

Reporting to the Director of People Services Hub, you’ll drive performance, lead through change, and embed a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence service transformation, champion innovation, and ensure our services remain responsive, compliant, and aligned with evolving needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across operational HR teams
• Deliver high-quality, customer-focused services across the employee lifecycle
• Lead service transformation initiatives and embed new technologies (e.g., SAP SuccessFactors, automation, AI)
• Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and internal governance
• Develop KPIs and use data insights to drive performance and service improvements
• Build strong relationships across the University and manage external providers

About You

• Extensive experience leading large-scale HR operations or shared services
• A track record of delivering efficient, user-focused services
• Strong leadership and change management skills
• Experience in Higher Education or the public sector.

If this sounds like the role for you, please reply to this email with your up-to-date CV.

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.