HR Operations Manager

Think FE Ltd; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable education institution in the East Midlands is seeking an Interim HR Operations Manager to lead their HR team through a transition period. The ideal candidate will have a CIPD Level 5 qualification and a strong background in employee relations and team management in an educational or public sector setting. Responsibilities include overseeing HR processes and managing complex cases, ensuring compliance and strategic leadership. This role offers a competitive pay rate and a hybrid working arrangement.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience required.
• Strong background in HR operations within education or public sector settings.
• Proven expertise in employee relations and people management.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR Operations function, overseeing core HR processes.
• Manage and mentor HR team members.
• Handle complex employee relations cases.

Skills

Employee relations

Team management

Strategic leadership

Communication

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience

Job description

Interim HR Operations Manager – Further Education – East Midlands

Are you an experienced HR professional ready to take on a strategic leadership role within a dynamic and supportive further education environment? We’re working with a well-regarded college in the East Midlands to recruit an Interim HR Operations Manager to lead their operational HR team during a period of transition.

Pay: £200.00-£250.00 per day - Permanent applications also welcome.

This is an exciting opportunity for a CIPD Level 5-qualified (or equivalent experience) individual who thrives in a fast-paced setting and has a strong background in employee relations and team management—particularly within education or the public sector.

The Role

As Interim HR Operations Manager, you’ll lead the HR Operations function, providing strategic oversight of core HR processes, compliance, and systems. You'll also manage a team of HR Assistants and an Associate HR Business Partner, while offering expert advice on complex and high-risk cases.

Location: Derbyshire

Working Arrangement: Full-time, hybrid working available

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Length: To cover permanent recruitment (estimated 3+ months)

Key Responsibilities

• Operational leadership and oversight of HR systems and processes
• Direct line management and mentoring of HR team members
• Caseload management, particularly around Employee Relations
• Strategic and compliant handling of ill‑health retirements
• Stakeholder engagement across the college community

What You’ll Need

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience
• Strong background in HR operations within education or public sector settings
• Proven expertise in employee relations and people management
• Ability to lead strategically while remaining hands‑on

Next Steps

Once you've applied, one of our friendly further education consultants will give you a call to discuss this opportunity. The college will move quickly for the right applicant, and they have a simple and concise interview process. Think FE Ltd. are acting as an employment business for this position. Working for / with Think FE Ltd. is subject to agreement to our Terms and Conditions.

Data Policy

Your data will be stored by Think FE Ltd. solely for the purpose of helping you to find work. By hitting apply you consent to your data being used in this way. We will confirm with you by email immediately with a full breakdown of how your data is used, and you may opt out fully or in part at any time. Your data will not be passed on to 3rd parties without your permission. Job Type: Full-time