HR Operations Manager in Reading

Reporting to the HR Director and working as part of a collaborative HR team, you will lead the HR Operations function, ensuring the delivery of an efficient, customer-focused service across the entire employee life cycle.

This is a highly visible role that will combine people leadership, process improvement and operational governance, making it ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategic improvements with hands-on delivery.

The RoleLeading a small team, you will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery and continuous improvement of HR operations. You will oversee employee life cycle administration, recruitment coordination, HR systems, people data, reporting and payroll processes, ensuring a high-quality service is delivered to employees and managers across the business.

Key responsibilities will include

• Leading, coaching and developing the HR Operations team.
• Managing HR administration processes across the employee life cycle.
• Overseeing recruitment administration and supporting hiring activities through your team.
• Building strong relationships with payroll stakeholders to enhance processes, reporting and accuracy.
• Managing HR systems, people data and the production of regular management information and dashboards.
• Overseeing employee benefits administration and supporting the smooth delivery of reward-related processes.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to streamline and standardise ways of working.
• Ensuring robust governance, compliance and operational controls are maintained across all HR operational activities.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and organised HR professional with a strong background in HR operations and team leadership. You will ideally have:

• Proven experience managing HR Operations within a medium-to-large organisation.
• Strong knowledge of HR systems, payroll processes, people data and reporting.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• A customer-focused approach with the ability to balance operational delivery with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

What's in It for You?This is an opportunity to join a successful and evolving consultancy business where the People function plays a central role in supporting growth and organisational effectiveness. You'll have the chance to shape and enhance HR operations while developing and leading a capable and established team.

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