People Operations Manager

CHARITY PEOPLE; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An international wildlife conservation organisation is seeking a People Operations Manager to oversee HR processes, manage payroll and benefits, and ensure compliance with employment law. This full-time role based in Cambridge offers a salary of £39,640 - £41,725 and excellent benefits including 25 days annual leave. The ideal candidate has substantial HR operations experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

8% pension contribution

Life insurance

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in HR operations, systems, and compliance.
• Confident in managing payroll, benefits, and HRIS platforms.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Manage HRIS and implement new systems/modules.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment and immigration law.
• Lead on business sponsorship duties (SMS Level 1 User).
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and induction.
• Line manage the People Administrator.
• Maintain HR policies, risk register, and reporting.
• Contribute to global HR projects and continuous improvement.

Skills

HR operations management

Payroll management

Benefits administration

HRIS management

Excellent communication

Data analysis

Organisational skills

Staff management or mentoring

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job description

People Operations Manager

Salary band: £39,640 - £41,725 FTE per annum
Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday)
Hybrid working: Minimum 3 days/week in Cambridge office
Excellent benefits including 25 days annual leave, 8% pension contribution, and life insurance

Are you an experienced HR operations professional looking to make a global impact in a purpose-driven organisation?

Charity People are proud to be partnering with the world's oldest international wildlife conservation organisation, to recruit a People Operations Manager. The organisation works to protect the diversity of life on Earth, partnering with local conservation organisations across the globe to save nature together. Their approach is practical, sustainable, and rooted in collaboration.

With over 600 staff across 20 jurisdictions, including 200 UK-based employees, the organisation is at the forefront of global conservation. Their Cambridge-based People Team is collaborative, supportive, and committed to delivering high-quality HR services across the organisation.

About the Role

Reporting to the People Director, the People Operations Manager will lead the development and delivery of people processes, systems, and administration. You'll manage the global HRIS (HiBob), oversee UK and international payroll, support UK pension and benefits, and ensure compliance with employment and immigration law.

You'll also manage the organisation's UK business sponsorship licence, contribute to strategic HR projects, and provide high-quality reporting and insights to internal stakeholders. While your primary focus will be UK operations, you'll also collaborate with country offices globally to improve efficiency and consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll processing and benefits administration
• Manage HRIS and implement new systems/modules
• Ensure compliance with UK employment and immigration law
• Lead on business sponsorship duties (SMS Level 1 User)
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and induction
• Line manage the People Administrator
• Maintain HR policies, risk register, and reporting
• Contribute to global HR projects and continuous improvement

About You

We're looking for someone with substantial experience in HR operations, systems, and compliance. You'll be confident managing payroll, benefits, and HRIS platforms, and have a strong understanding of UK employment law. You'll be methodical, detail-oriented, and able to build effective relationships across teams and geographies.

• Proven experience in people operations and HRIS management
• Strong knowledge of payroll, pensions, and employment law
• Excellent communication, data analysis, and organisational skills
• Experience managing or mentoring staff
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the organisation's mission
• Experience in international or charity settings (desirable)

How to Apply

The application process is CV and a Supporting Statement. The closing date is 12 noon on Tuesday, 11 November. The first round of interviews will take place preferably in-person on 19 and 20 November.

There will be a timed 30-minute assessment as part of the interview process. With a second-stage online/in-person interview to follow shortly after.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.