People Operations Partner: Shape Culture, Lead ER & Change

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

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.