People Operations Partner

Step Ahead Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Manchester is seeking a People Operations Partner to enhance employee experience and culture. The ideal candidate will have experience in HR advisory roles, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and be proactive in supporting HR initiatives. This role offers a competitive salary up to £45k and attractive benefits including 25 days annual leave, gym membership discounts, and enhanced maternity & paternity packages.

Benefits

25 days' annual leave + bank holidays

Birthday day off

Discounted gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Death in service (4x salary)

Cycle-to-work scheme

Enhanced maternity & paternity packages

Management incentive scheme

Qualifications

• A minimum of CIPD Level 5 (completed or working towards).
• Experience supporting managers across various people processes.
• Ability to balance operational HR with strategic people priorities.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted HR partner to managers.
• Lead and support employee relations (ER) cases including disciplinaries and grievances.
• Coach managers to build capability and confidence.
• Contribute to change management programmes and people projects.
• Ensure HR compliance with UK employment law.

Skills

Experience in a generalist HR role / HR Advisor role / People Partner role

Strong exposure to employee relations (ER) and case management

Excellent understanding of UK employment law

Strong communication, coaching and influencing skills

Ability to work autonomously while supporting a wider team

A proactive, solutions-focused approach

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience

Job description

People Operations Partner - Manchester - Up to £45k basic

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a People Operations Partner to join a growing HR function in Manchester. You'll play a key role in shaping people operations, employee experience, and culture across the business.

This role is ideal for an experienced HR Advisor, HR Generalist or People Partner who thrives in employee relations, enjoys partnering with managers, and is ready to step into a more strategic, influential people role.

Benefits

• Up to £45k basic salary (DOE)
• 25 days' annual leave + bank holidays
• Birthday day off
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Death in service (4x salary)
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, Perks at Work, Eye tests, Flu jabs
• Enhanced maternity & paternity packages
• Management incentive scheme

Role

As the People Operations Partner, you will:

• Act as a trusted HR partner to managers across the organisation
• Lead and support a wide range of employee relations (ER) cases including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and absence
• Coach managers to build capability, confidence and consistency
• Support business‑wide HR initiatives across engagement, performance, culture and organisational development
• Contribute to change management programmes and people projects
• Help develop and improve HR policies, processes and frameworks
• Provide insight and ideas to support the ongoing people strategy
• Ensure HR compliance and best practice in line with UK employment law

Skills Required

• Experience in a generalist HR role / HR Advisor role / People Partner role
• Strong exposure to employee relations (ER) and case management
• Excellent understanding of UK employment law
• Confident handling sensitive or complex people matters
• Strong communication, coaching and influencing skills
• Ability to work autonomously while supporting a wider team
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach

Experience & Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 (completed or working towards) or equivalent experience
• Background in a fast‑paced, commercial or multi‑site environment
• Experience supporting managers across a variety of people processes and ER cases
• Ability to balance operational HR with strategic people priorities

Who This Role Might Suit

This role would suit someone with experience as a:

• HR Advisor
• Senior HR Advisor
• HR Generalist
• People Partner
• HR Business Partner (junior)
• HR Officer
• People Operations Advisor
• Employee Relations Advisor
• People & Culture Advisor
• HR Consultant

How to Apply

If you're an ambitious HR professional looking to take the next step in your people career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV to be considered