Interim HR Operations Manager

Festival of Work; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Festival of Work is seeking an experienced interim People Operations Manager to lead HR operational services across the employee lifecycle in a fast-paced environment. You will oversee payroll-related changes, onboarding, contracts, and DBS/Right to Work compliance, ensuring timely delivery and high service quality.

The role requires strong HR systems capability, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement mindset.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HR operations and payroll management.
• Experience delivering HR services across the employee lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the workload of the People Operations team to ensure timely processing of employee lifecycle activities.
• Oversee onboarding, payroll changes, and contracts administration with accuracy and compliance.
• Develop and maintain HR records, reports, and audit readiness.

Skills

HR operations

Payroll administration

Onboarding

Compliance

Data quality

HR reporting

DBS checks

Right to Work

Sponsorship reporting

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

Team leadership

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll software

MS Excel

Reporting tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive interim People Operations Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality HR operational services across the employee lifecycle. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional people services, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement. You will oversee the day-to-day activities of the People Operations team, ensuring that all HR administration, payroll processes, onboarding activities, and compliance requirements are delivered accurately, efficiently, and within agreed deadlines.

As Interim People Operations Manager, you will:

• Coordinate the workload of the People Operations team, ensuring that all employee lifecycle activities are processed accurately and on time.
• Work closely with Resourcing and Employee Relations colleagues to support a seamless employee experience.
• Oversee the administration of contracts, contract variations, extensions, promotions, transfers, salary changes, and leaver processes.
• Manage onboarding activities, ensuring a positive and compliant new starter experience.
• Ensure payroll-related changes are processed accurately and in line with monthly payroll deadlines.
• Monitor HR and payroll data quality, investigating and resolving discrepancies and pay-related queries.
• Administer and oversee employee benefits and contractual entitlements, including annual leave, family leave provisions, relocation expenses, and salary-related changes.
• Lead the administration of DBS checks and safeguarding requirements.
• Manage UK Visa and Immigration compliance, including Right to Work checks and sponsorship reporting obligations.
• Produce regular HR management information and workforce reports using HR systems and reporting tools.
• Support internal and external audits and maintain accurate HR records and documentation.
• Drive process improvements, identify operational efficiencies, and contribute to the continuous enhancement of people services.
• Develop and support the People Operations team, ensuring knowledge, skills, and processes remain current and effective.

We are seeking an experienced HR professional with a strong background in People Operations, payroll administration, and employee lifecycle management. You will have a sound understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice, experience managing payroll and employee data, and knowledge of UKVI compliance, Right to Work requirements, DBS checks, and safer recruitment processes. With strong HR systems capability, excellent organisational skills, and a keen eye for detail, you will be confident managing competing priorities, building effective stakeholder relationships, and leading and developing a high-performing People Operations team.

This is short term contract for 3 months, with hybrid requirement of two days onsite in London based offices.