Head of HR Operations & Payroll, UK & Ireland

Lucy Walker Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucy Walker Recruitment partners with a Leeds-based international consultancy to recruit an experienced Head of HR Operations. The role leads the UK & Ireland HR Operations, payroll governance, onboarding, and people data to deliver legally compliant and insightful services.

The successful candidate will manage HR systems, service delivery, documentation, and a data-driven payroll function, shaping the roadmap for HR technology and automation while ensuring a strong employee experience across

Qualifications

• Payroll qualification or equivalent professional expertise required.
• CIPD qualification is desirable but not essential.
• Strong knowledge of UK & Ireland HR processes, documentation, controls, and case administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR Operations and Payroll teams in UK & Ireland.
• Own compliant employment documentation and onboarding processes.
• Guide HR technology, payroll, and data roadmap, including responsible AI initiatives.
• Embed UK & Ireland employment-law across HR and payroll processes and controls.
• Lead service levels, dashboards, and HR Operations metrics.
• Turn people analytics into evidence-led decisions and action.

Skills

HR operations leadership

Payroll management

UK & Ireland employment law

Data analytics & insights

ER case administration

Onboarding & documentation management

Governance & data accuracy

Project goals delivery

Process improvement

Education

Payroll qualification or equivalent

CIPD (not essential)

Job description

Lucy Walker Recruitment partners with a Leeds-based international consultancy to recruit an experienced Head of HR Operations. The role leads the UK & Ireland HR Operations, payroll governance, onboarding, and people data to deliver legally compliant and insightful services.

The successful candidate will manage HR systems, service delivery, documentation, and a data-driven payroll function, shaping the roadmap for HR technology and automation while ensuring a strong employee experience across