Human Resources Operations Specialist

Ashley Kate HR & Finance; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected national organization in Greater London is seeking a Head of HR & Operations to lead HR and operational services, ensuring legal compliance and fostering a positive employee experience. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in HR, strong communication skills, and be capable of managing complex payroll processes. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR leader to impact organizational growth and employee engagement. The role offers hybrid working, reporting 1-2 days a week on-site in Westminster.

Qualifications

• Experienced HR leader with strong judgement and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to operate confidently at senior levels in sensitive environments.
• Proven track record in managing payroll processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver HR strategy, focusing on compliance and best practices.
• Implement initiatives to enhance staff engagement and wellbeing.
• Act as Safeguarding Lead, ensuring policy compliance.
• Oversee health and safety for all staff across various work settings.
• Provide expert HR advice on sensitive cases.

Skills

Leadership of an HR function

Strong written and verbal communication

Project planning and delivery

Excellent interpersonal skills

Discretion and professionalism

Payroll management experience

MCIPD accreditation

Experience working with volunteers

Education

MCIPD accreditation or equivalent experience

Job description

We are delighted to be working with a nationally recognised organisation to recruit a brand new Head of HR & Operations. Working on site in Westminster 1- 2 days a week, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR leader to shape and lead people and operational functions within a values-driven, fast-paced organisation operating in a high-profile environment.

Reporting to the senior leadership team, the Head of HR & Operations will lead the organisation’s HR and operational services, ensuring legal compliance, sustainable organisational performance, and an inclusive, positive employee experience.

You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, championing best practice in people management, safeguarding, and organisational effectiveness. The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery and oversight of HR, office operations, IT services, and health & safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the organisation’s HR strategy, covering employment law and policy, recruitment and retention, learning and development, reward, payroll, and employee relations.
• Develop and implement initiatives to improve staff engagement, wellbeing, and satisfaction.
• Act as the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust safeguarding policies and compliance.
• Lead the strategy for office‑based, remote, and hybrid working.
• Take responsibility for the office and oversee health and safety for all staff, regardless of location.
• Provide expert HR advice on complex and sensitive cases across the wider organisation.
• Ensure payroll is delivered accurately and on time, either in‑house or via an outsourced provider.
• Prepare reports and present to committees and governance bodies.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and support a collaborative culture focused on growth and organisational success.

Head of HR & Operations

You will be an experienced HR leader with strong judgement, excellent communication skills, and the credibility to operate confidently at senior level in a complex, sensitive environment.

Essential experience and skills include:

• Proven leadership of an HR function.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Experience planning and delivering medium- to long‑term projects and engagement activity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to different working styles and seniority levels.
• High levels of discretion and professionalism in sensitive situations.
• Experience managing payroll, either directly or through an external provider.
• MCIPD accreditation or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with volunteers.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact within a values‑led organisation at a pivotal time, shaping people strategy and operational delivery while supporting engagement and organisational growth.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Jacqui Wall 0203 8001500