HR Operations Manager

We are looking for an experienced and proactive HR Operations Manager to lead our HR Operations team and deliver a high-quality, customer-focused HR service across the department. This is an excellent opportunity for a CIPD-qualified HR professional with strong operational expertise, leadership experience and a passion for continuous improvement.

Reporting to the HR Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day delivery of HR operations, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, Home Office regulations and University policies. You will play a key role in supporting managers and staff across the full employee lifecycle while contributing to strategic HR initiatives that enhance the employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

As HR Operations Manager, you will:

• Lead, develop and motivate the HR Operations team, providing coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Deliver an efficient, professional HR service covering recruitment, onboarding, contracts, employee records and HR administration.
• Provide expert advice to managers and employees on recruitment, absence management, performance, family leave, disciplinary and grievance matters, terms and conditions, pay and immigration.
• Oversee recruitment administration, ensuring all pre-employment checks, right to work and visa requirements are completed accurately and in line with policy.
• Manage monthly payroll change audits, working closely with payroll colleagues to ensure accuracy and compliance with University deadlines.
• Monitor and improve HR systems, processes and reporting to enhance operational efficiency and data quality.
• Lead contract monitoring processes, including probation management and fixed-term contract reviews, ensuring compliance with University procedures.
• Support managers through recruitment and selection activities, including interview guidance and training.
• Contribute to HR projects, departmental strategy and wider University initiatives.
• Produce management information and reports to support workforce planning, statutory returns and strategic decision-making.
• Build effective relationships with colleagues across the University and represent the department at HR networks and professional forums.

Essential Criteria

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A degree (or equivalent) and CIPD membership 
• Significant HR experience with in-depth knowledge of the recruitment process.
• Staff management experience 
• Sound knowledge and experience of the application of UK employment law and Home Office visa regulations
• Previous experience of handling employee relations casework.