Interim People Director

Arriva Group; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation organization in the United Kingdom seeks a professional to lead HR operations and employee-focused services. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership skills in complex organizations, along with the expertise to leverage technology for service delivery. Responsibilities include managing HR administration, evaluating service effectiveness, and collaborating with internal stakeholders. This is a full-time role offering competitive compensation while contributing to employee engagement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in HR operations within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of HR systems and service delivery models.
• Experience in process improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma.
• Ability to manage people-related changes effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of employee‑focused services.
• Oversee HR administration services and data management.
• Evaluate employee hub services using performance indicators.
• Partner with HR, L&D, and Communications to align services.

Skills

Leadership in HR operations

Understanding of HR processes

Process improvement methodologies

Use of technology in HR

Contract management

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Education

CIPD or equivalent

Job description

Responsibilities

Leading the design and delivery of effective and timely employee‑focused services in line with business objectives and our employee experience vision. Overseeing delivery of core HR administration services and data management, ensuring resolution of employee queries, effective escalation processes, data integrity and adherence to employment legislation, GDPR, and internal policies, in line with robust SLAs. Evaluating the provision of employee hub services using robust performance indicators and employee satisfaction metrics to monitor effectiveness of the services, drive operational excellence and inform continuous improvement activity. Leading, coaching, and developing a high‑performing, collaborative, inclusive, and service‑oriented employee hub team. Driving capability building, succession planning, and employee engagement within the function. Partnering with HR, L&D, and Communications to align employee services with broader people strategies. Optimising HR systems and digital tools through digital transformation. Maintaining risk management protocols and business continuity plans and supporting internal and external audits. Managing all relevant third‑party contracts effectively. Representing the organisation at external forums and networks. Supporting the delivery of Arriva’s ESG goals by ensuring our inclusion activity drives social value. Supporting growth plans by ensuring effective inclusion strategies are incorporated into tender proposals.

Essential Experience

• Proven leadership in HR operations or shared services within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of HR processes and systems and service delivery models.
• Experience in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Planning, leading and managing people‑related changes.
• Leveraging technology and digital tools to enhance process management and service delivery.
• Managing strategic partnerships and third‑party contract management.

Desirable Experience

• Leading or managing HR‑systems transformational change.

Other Skills And Behaviours

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action and impact.
• Horizon scanning.
• Strategic thinking.
• Project planning and delivery.
• Ability to track ROI and performance metrics.
• Inclusive and culturally aware.

Technical Knowledge & Qualifications

• Strong cognitive agility.
• Excellent understanding of the routine HR‑related activities relevant to the employee lifecycle, factors that influence the effectiveness of an employee service, and measures for success.
• A broad awareness of current and emerging people‑related organisational considerations.
• Good knowledge of current trends and best practices in employee HR services.
• Working knowledge of existing and emerging UK employment law.
• CIPD or equivalent (desirable).

The closing date for applications is Monday 22nd December. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.