HR Operations Manager

Folk Recruitment Limited; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing organization in Leeds is seeking an HR Operations Manager to lead a small team and enhance HR functions. This strategic role combines leadership and hands-on execution, focusing on governance, talent acquisition, and continuous improvement. The position offers hybrid working, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to shape the HR service. Ideal candidates will have solid HR operations experience, advanced HRIS knowledge, and a CIPD qualification. A passion for driving an efficient employee experience is essential.

Benefits

Starting salary competitive

Hybrid working

Office location in city centre

Close-knit team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading HR Operations in a fast‑paced environment.
• Expertise in governance, controls, and HR process optimisation.
• TUPE and M&A integration experience from an operational perspective.
• Strong IT literacy, including advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for HR Operations while supporting day‑to‑day delivery.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Oversee talent acquisition and onboarding, ensuring time‑to‑hire targets.
• Manage operational delivery of change programmes, including TUPE.
• Work with the wider HR team to deliver cyclical people activity.
• Review HR dashboards and feedback mechanisms, producing insights.
• Lead HRIS implementation and optimisation projects.

Skills

HR operations leadership

Governance and controls

Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement mindset

Strong IT literacy

Education

CIPD Qualified or working towards

Tools

Advanced Excel

Job description

The role of HR Operations Manager is a newly created role, with responsibility for a small team, the perfect match for an experienced HR professional who is looking to make a significant impact within a growing organisation. This position combines strategic leadership with hands‑on execution. You will be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the HR operations function, ensuring all HR processes and systems are not only efficient and effective but also scalable and able to support strategic growth. You will play a lead role in driving an efficient and optimal employee experience to all employees across the business, made up of c 750 employees.

The HR Operations Manager will help shape the organisations future HR service and develop the HR Operations strategy whilst operating as a SME in a variety of HR and business projects. In the short to medium term will focus on cyclical people activity, governance, controls, organisational change and systems, partnering closely with HR Business Partners and HR Director.

This role would suit someone with continuous improvement mindset who sees the value of HR systems and is able to help stakeholders embrace automation & self‑service.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Hands‑On Delivery: Provide strategic direction for HR Operations while supporting day‑to‑day delivery. Lead, coach, and develop the HR Operations team to deliver a customer‑focused service.
• Governance and Controls: Develop and maintain HR policies, ensuring compliance and best practice. Design and monitor HR controls, act as an escalation point, and resolve issues.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Oversee talent acquisition and onboarding, ensuring time‑to‑hire targets and proactive communication with hiring managers.
• Organisational Change: Manage operational delivery of change programmes, including TUPE, redesign, and restructure, in collaboration with HRBP, HR Dir, and business managers.
• Projects & Engagement: Work with the wider HR team to deliver cyclical people activity and strategic HR projects. Develop and maintain accessible HR information and ensure timely execution of engagement initiatives.
• Metrics: Review HR dashboards and feedback mechanisms, producing actionable insights and business intelligence for the team and leadership.
• Rewards, Benefits & Systems: Explore and enhance the visibility of employee benefits, ensuring alignment with business needs. Lead HRIS implementation and optimisation projects to modernise HR operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience leading HR Operations in a fast‑paced environment.
• Expertise in governance, controls, and HR process optimisation.
• TUPE and M&A integration experience from an operational perspective.
• Advanced HRIS knowledge; experience implementing or embedding systems highly advantageous.
• Strong IT literacy, including advanced Excel skills.
• CIPD Qualified or working towards (desirable, continued support available).

Personal Attributes

• Thrives in a busy and varied HR Operations role and environment.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on leadership capability.
• Agile and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset with creative problem‑solving ability.
• High attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Operates with integrity and aligns to company values (Customer Focused, Quality, Working Together, Results Orientated).

Benefits & Working Arrangements

• Starting salary of
• Hybrid working
• Office location in Leeds city centre (with free parking)
• The opportunity to shape an organisations future HR service and develop the HR Operations strategy
• Working in a close‑knit, fun team in a growing business

For more information, please contact Helen Easter @ Folk or apply using the button below, quoting ref. HE-FLK-702.

This vacancy is being advertised by Flk Recruitment, an employment agency, in accordance with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age.