HR Operations Manager

Quintessential Brands Group; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known beverage company based in Warrington is seeking a Head of HR Operations to lead HR excellence across the UK and Ireland. The ideal candidate will manage a high-performing team while overseeing Payroll, Employee Relations, Recruitment, and Policy development. Candidates should have extensive HR operations experience, strong knowledge of employment law, and a CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent. This full-time role offers benefits including a pension, life assurance, and bonuses.

Benefits

Company pension

Life Assurance

Bonus

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Discounts with high street and online retailers

Staff Shop

Qualifications

• Proven HR operations experience within a fast-paced, complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK and Irish employment law.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Experience managing HR systems and process improvement projects.
• High attention to detail, resilience, and multitasking ability.
• Strategic mindset with a solutions-focused approach.
• Collaborative and driven by service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day HR Operations, Payroll and compliance activities across multiple markets.
• Coach and develop a small team, delegating duties and building capability.
• Oversee recruitment and onboarding, partnering closely with hiring managers.
• Manage Employee Relations matters and ensure legal compliance.
• Support performance management and policy alignment.
• Champion data accuracy and HRIS systems, using analytics for insights.
• Own HR policy development to ensure compliance.
• Oversee annual reward processes including benchmarking and reviews.
• Build strong internal stakeholder relationships.
• Maintain strong governance and supplier relationships.

Skills

HR operations experience

Knowledge of UK and Irish employment law

Leadership and coaching skills

HR systems management

Attention to detail

Strategic mindset

Collaborative and approachable

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent

Tools

ADP

Kronos

QuBe

Job description

At Quintessential Brands Group, we are proud to continue the legacy of Thomas Dakin, the visionary who pioneered quality English gin in 1761. Today, our award-winning portfolio spans iconic names like Greenall’s, Opihr, Thomas Dakin, The Dubliner, and Chamère, our exciting new venture in the world of RTD cocktails.

Please note: This is a full-time, office-based role, working 5 days per week from our Warrington site.

A Flavour of The Job

Reporting to the Global HR Director, you will lead our HR Operations function across the UK and Ireland, with some global coordination (France, Germany, US). You'll manage a small, high-performing team and ensure HR excellence across core areas including Payroll, Employee Relations, Recruitment, Onboarding, Performance, Policy, and HR Systems. This role is a fantastic opportunity to make a visible impact, embedding best practices, driving system efficiencies, and contributing to the people strategy at a group level.

A Taste of the Business

We are a unique blend — a business with a 250-year heritage. Ambitious and entrepreneurial, we continue to grow globally while proudly crafting award-winning spirits. Our business is lean and agile, and while we are not perfect, we are on a journey to evolve our systems, processes, and culture. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, lead with purpose, and help shape the future of our People operations, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day HR Operations, Payroll and compliance activities across multiple markets
• Coach and develop a small team (HR Advisors, HR Admin, and Payroll Manager), delegating duties and building capability
• Oversee recruitment and onboarding, partnering closely with hiring managers and the Talent team
• Manage Employee Relations matters, allocating cases and ensuring legal compliance across the UK & IE
• Support performance management and capability building through training and policy alignment
• Champion data accuracy and HRIS systems (ADP, Kronos, QuBe), using analytics to drive insight and improvement
• Own HR policy development, ensuring legislative compliance and practical implementation
• Oversee annual reward processes including salary benchmarking, reviews, and bonus schemes
• Build strong internal stakeholder relationships across SLT and operational teams
• Maintain strong governance, audit readiness, and value-for-money supplier relationships

The Perfect Serve – A Bit About You

• Proven HR operations experience within a fast-paced, complex organisation
• Strong knowledge of UK and Irish employment law
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and people management skills
• Experience managing HR systems and process improvement projects
• High attention to detail, resilience, and the ability to work with multiple priorities
• CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent experience)
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on, solutions-focused approach
• Collaborative, approachable and driven by service excellence

The Essence of QB – The Benefits

• Company pension
  
• Life Assurance
• Bonus
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Discounts with high street and online retailers
• Staff Shop

Ready to make your mark? Join us at Quintessential Brands and be part of a business where your expertise in people operations can truly shine.