People Operations Manager 12 month FTC

FRP Advisory; Brentwood; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a dedicated individual to lead the People Operations function during a maternity leave cover. This role involves overseeing HR systems, payroll, and benefits while ensuring efficient and compliant processes. Candidates should have extensive experience in HR roles, strong analytical and stakeholder management skills, and preferably knowledge of HR systems like Access – People XD. The position is based in Brentwood or London with opportunities for dynamic leadership.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in People Operations or similar HR roles.
• Proven leadership across junior to senior HR admin roles.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Own and optimise HR systems for continuous improvement.
• Oversee and update People processes for efficiency and compliance.
• Build and maintain reports on turnover and absence metrics.

Skills

Extensive experience in People Operations or similar HR roles

Strong analytical skills

Excellent stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Tools

Access – People XD

Job description

Overview

The ideal candidate will lead and elevate our People Operations function during a 12-month maternity leave cover. This pivotal role will oversee HR systems, payroll, benefits, and process optimisation, ensuring seamless delivery of our People services and strategic alignment with business goals. This role can be based in our Brentwood or London office with regular visits to both locations.

Responsibilities

• HR Systems & Self-Service: Own and optimise our HR systems to ensure continuous improvement and smooth functioning of People Operations; manage and enhance employee self-service portals for leave, attendance, benefits and other HR services; ensure data accuracy, compliance, and system integrity; manage the relationship with our external payroll bureau; ensure payroll accuracy and oversee payroll processing, audits, and issue resolution; maintain strong ties with benefit providers and brokers.
• Process Improvement: Oversee and update People processes and templates for efficiency and compliance; drive automation and cross-functional collaboration; champion a seamless employee experience; lead a team of 4 within the People Operations functions (onboarding, record-keeping, benefits admin etc.); provide coaching, support, and operational guidance; foster a high-performing, fast-paced, detail-oriented culture.
• Data & Decision Support: Build and maintain reports/dashboards on turnover, absence, and other key metrics; analyse trends to inform workforce planning and strategic decisions; present insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Compliance & Culture: Ensure adherence to legal and internal policies; update policies in collaboration with relevant departments; support DEI initiatives and inclusive practices.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in People Operations or similar HR roles
• Proven leadership across junior to senior HR admin roles
• Experience in fast-paced environments and business acquisitions/TUPE
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication
• Superuser/admin and configuration experience with HR systems (Access – People XD preferred)
• Hands-on experience with payroll bureaus and benefit providers
• Experience managing relationships with brokers
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines whilst being highly process-driven