HR Systems and Data Operational Lead

Loughborough University; Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension schemes

On-site facilities

Job summary

Loughborough University is seeking an experienced HR Systems and Data Operational Lead to manage the day-to-day delivery of BAU HR data and systems services, including iTrent, during a major HR and Finance transformation. The role combines operational leadership, problem-solving and team management to ensure system stability and resilience.

You will oversee the HR Data and Systems team, coordinate workloads, and work with HR, Payroll, IT Services and external suppliers to deliver high-quality

Qualifications

• Experienced HR systems professional with BAU operations expertise.
• Strong data governance and reporting capabilities, including statutory returns.
• Proven leadership of a small to medium sized team in a fast-changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of BAU HR data and systems services.
• Ensure system stability and resilience during HR Systems Transformation.
• Coordinate workloads, escalation management and service standards with HR, Payroll, IT and external suppliers.

Skills

HR systems

Data management

Team leadership

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Tools

iTrent

Job description

Human Resources

Full-time, 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract with hybrid working

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR systems professional to join our HR Data and Systems team as HR Systems and Data Operational Lead.

This is an excellent time to join the University. We are embarking on a significant HR Systems Transformation programme alongside finalising a major Finance system re-implementation. As part of this journey, we are looking for a specialist practitioner who can help maintain our business-as-usual HR systems operations.

This is a hands‑on specialist role for someone who thrives on problem‑solving, operational leadership and team management. You will lead the day‑to‑day delivery of HR Data and Systems services, ensuring business‑as‑usual activity remains effective and resilient whilst enabling senior members of the team to focus their capacity on delivering the HR Systems Transformation Programme.

About the Role

As our HR Systems and Data Operational Lead, you will provide operational leadership for the HR Data and Systems team whilst acting as the University's lead operational subject matter expert for iTrent and associated HR systems. You will be responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of business‑as‑usual services, maintaining system stability, and supporting the ongoing development of HR systems and processes.

The role has been created to strengthen operational resilience during a significant period of systems change. By managing team workloads, supporting service delivery and leading the resolution of operational issues, you will create capacity for senior Data and Systems colleagues to focus on the delivery of the HR Systems Transformation Programme.

You will provide day‑to‑day leadership and management of a specialist HR Data and Systems team, acting as a point of escalation for complex system and data issues, co‑ordinating workloads and priorities, and ensuring service standards are maintained during periods of high demand.

Working closely with colleagues across HR, Payroll, Recruitment, Finance, IT Services and external suppliers, you will help ensure that HR systems remain stable, effective and responsive to business needs throughout the transformation journey. The role offers significant autonomy and requires strong judgement, technical expertise and the ability to operate independently.

You will also play a key role in statutory and sector reporting activities, including supporting the delivery of the annual HESA Staff Return through data validation, coding, reporting and submission activities, helping to ensure the accuracy and integrity of workforce data.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a key role within an ambitious transformation programme while helping to maintain and improve the systems and data that support our people. You will join a collaborative and supportive team, working on projects that will have a lasting impact across the University.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are of vital importance to the University and the HR department. We have made strides in recent years, but recognise we have significant work to do to achieve our plans to become an anti‑racist organisation and one at which EDI is embedded in all that we do.

Together we are creating an environment in which diverse individuals can belong, develop and thrive. We will expect you to share that commitment too.

For informal enquiries, please contact: Paul Williams, HR Data and Systems Manager, [e-mail].

For more information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Application Closing Date: Monday 28th September 2026.

Interviews will be held week commencing 12th October 2026.

Our Benefits

• Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme
• Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Financial wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities
• Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
• Health and wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world‑class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support
• Travel and sustainability- access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting