HR Business Partner - Payroll/HR Systems & Operations

Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the arts sector seeks a passionate HR Business Partner to drive transformations in HR and Payroll systems. The role involves collaborating with managers, leading projects, and advising on HR policies to enhance workforce dynamics. Ideal candidates will bring strong HR experience, leadership in change management, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Strong HR experience and understanding of HR processes.
• Experience in implementing HRIS and payroll systems.
• Ability to handle complex employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead enhancement of HR and Payroll systems.
• Provide HR advice and support across the organisation.
• Manage complex employee relations cases and day-to-day HR operations.

Skills

HR generalist experience

Core HR processes

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Proactive approach

Education

CIPD qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

HRIS and payroll systems

Job description

Salary

£45,000 per annum

Location

Cardiff

Hours

Fixed term

Closing date

23.06.2025

Posted by: Welsh National Opera

Date: 11 June 2025

WNO shares the power of live opera and classical music with audiences and communities across Wales and England. We are a creative and inspiring place to work and recognise that our colleagues play a vital role in advancing our strategic priorities to deliver on our ambitions.

We are seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to join our team and support the Head of People and Transformation in driving the successful transformation of our HR and Payroll systems and operations. This role will work closely with managers and key stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery and adoption of new processes.

You will lead the implementation of enhanced HR and Payroll systems, oversee the delivery of efficient and compliant processes, and manage a small HR operations team. This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives in a change-focused environment and is passionate about improving people systems and services.

What will be required of you?

• Contribute to HR projects and initiatives in collaboration with the People & Culture team
• Provide generalist HR advice and support across the organisation
• Assist in implementing new payroll and HRIS systems
• Coach and guide managers on HR policies, procedures, and best practice
• Review and maintain HR policies and procedures
• Advise on recruitment and support hiring managers with resourcing needs
• Manage complex employee relations cases
• Support day-to-day HR operations as required
• Analyse and report on people data to support decision-making
  
  

What will you need to have?

• Strong HR generalist experience with a solid understanding of core HR processes
• Proven ability to lead change and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Experience with HRIS and payroll system implementation (iTrent desirable)
• Confident handling complex employee relations and working in a unionised environment
• CIPD qualified or equivalent experience
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage pressure and meet deadlines
• A proactive, collaborative approach and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Good knowledge of GDPR and payroll operations