Payroll & People Operations Manager

Uber Boats Thames Clippers; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company in London is seeking a People Operations Manager to oversee HR processes, including payroll and compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and experience in HR data analysis, with a focus on continual improvement. This role involves strategic oversight and hands-on management of employee lifecycle processes while ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a People Operations or HR Operations leadership role.
• Demonstrable experience in HR data and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of payroll, benefits, and employment law compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the People Operations function and HR processes.
• Oversee payroll and pensions compliance.
• Manage immigration matters and related compliance.

Skills

Leadership in People Operations

HR data analysis

Employee lifecycle management

HR systems knowledge

Payroll processing

Process improvement

Problem-solving skills

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPD Level 5 or 7

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This role works in close collaboration with the People & Culture Director to deliver an outstanding Payroll & HR operations service to the business. The People Operations Manager owns the employee lifecycle processes, partnering with line managers, suppliers, and key stakeholders to deliver a progressive and meaningful People strategy through operational excellence. The role combines hands‑on execution of core processes with strategic oversight of continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, compliance, and employee experience. Success in this role will depend on a proactive approach to process improvement, data accuracy, and stakeholder collaboration across all levels of the organisation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in a People Operations or HR Operations leadership role, ideally within a fast‑paced, multi‑site or operational environment.
• Demonstrable experience in HR data and reporting, turning insights into action.
• Relevant experience managing employee lifecycle processes.
• Strong working knowledge of HR systems, payroll, benefits, and employment law compliance.
• Proven experience in payroll processing and governance.
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes and systems.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Experience managing and developing others.
• CIPD Level 5 or 7.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the People Operations function, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of core HR processes across the employee lifecycle.
• Oversee and own our payroll and pensions processes in an effective and compliant manner.
• Manage all required immigration matters, including responding to inquiries from incoming employees, managing required work permits or visa applications, ensuring compliance with all applicable immigration compliance in all jurisdictions.
• Support with first‑line employee relations matters, and focus on proactive reduction of cases through partnership/training of line managers.
• Oversee HR systems (HRIS), payroll, and benefits, ensuring integration, compliance, and continuous improvement in line with business needs and ROI.
• Partner with the wider People & Culture team to streamline processes, improve employee experience, and drive automation and self‑service.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance in payroll, pensions, GDPR, right‑to‑work, and employment law requirements.
• Generate and analyse HR data to provide insights, trends, and recommendations that inform strategic workforce decisions.
• Motivate, support and manage our People Coordinator.
• Support policy development and compliance, ensuring all documentation remains current, practical, and aligned to business culture.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Highly organised, analytical, and passionate about accuracy and detail.
• Commercially aware, with a pragmatic, solution‑focused mindset.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
• Emotionally intelligent, adaptable, and collaborative under pressure.
• Curious and proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset.

LOCATION AND TRAVEL

Role is based in London at Trinity Buoy Wharf.