HR Operations Manager
Location: Reading (hybrid, with parking)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Are you a confident HR professional who loves building strong people practices and shaping a great employee experience? Do you enjoy partnering with leaders, improving processes, and driving meaningful cultural initiatives? If so, this is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of our clients organisation.
We’re looking for a HR Operations Manager to lead and deliver a high-quality HR service while supporting the Finance Director and senior leadership team. This is a varied and impactful position where you’ll influence everything from performance management and engagement to payroll coordination and operational HR excellence.
People Management & Strategic HR Support
*Act as a trusted partner to managers across the full employee lifecycle, recruitment, onboarding, performance, development, and exit.
*Ensure a consistent and effective approach to performance management, including capability processes and appraisal frameworks.
*Provide expert guidance on employee relations, including conduct, grievance, and disciplinary matters.
*Oversee compliant and well-managed offboarding.
Employee Experience, Benefits & Engagement
*Review, recommend, and help implement competitive and cost-effective employee benefits.
*Lead benefit communications to maximise engagement and understanding.
*Support organisation-wide culture and wellbeing initiatives to enhance the employee experience.
HR Administration, Policy & Compliance
*Maintain accurate and compliant HR records in line with legislation.
*Support the development and communication of HR policies and procedures.
*Produce insightful HR reports and metrics for senior leadership.
*Ensure HR practices reflect current employment law and best practice.
Payroll Coordination & Finance Collaboration
*Work closely with the Finance Director to evaluate payroll systems and external providers.
*Assist in designing a streamlined, integrated payroll process.
*Ensure accurate time and attendance data flows into payroll.
*Act as a key liaison between HR, Finance, and payroll partners.
Time & Attendance Management
*Oversee the operation and accuracy of the T&A system.
*Support managers in using the system effectively and resolving discrepancies.
*Identify opportunities for improvements in reporting and controls.
Key Initial Projects
*Rolling out a new organisation-wide appraisal framework.
*Streamlining time & attendance reporting and system workflows.
*Collaborating with Finance on payroll modernisation.
*Supporting wider HR initiatives including policy updates, systems improvements, and cultural projects.
Who We’re Looking For
*Strong experience within HR management or a broad HR generalist role.
*Great knowledge of HR processes, employment legislation, and people management principles.
*Confident coaching managers on performance, capability, and general people issues.
*Excellent organisation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
*High levels of professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgement.
*Experience with T&A or payroll systems is beneficial, but not essential.
Why Join Us?
*A chance to make a genuine impact in a growing organisation.
*Autonomy to improve systems, processes, and culture.
*Close partnership with senior leadership.
If this sounds like the next step in your HR career, we’d love to hear from you.