Interim HR Operations ManagerLocation: Local Authority (Hybrid Working)
Contract: 12 Months (with potential extension)
Agency: Aatom Recruitment
Aatom Recruitment is supporting a local authority in their search for an experienced Interim HR Operations Manager. This role requires a senior HR professional with strong operational leadership experience, particularly within Reward, Pay and Establishment Management, to help stabilise and strengthen services during a period of organisational change.
Role PurposeThe Interim HR Operations Manager will lead, develop and enhance the HR Operations service, with a core focus on embedding and improving the Reward function. You will ensure the effective delivery of day-to-day HR operations, drive continuous improvement, and enhance service-wide governance, processes and systems.
A key responsibility will be supporting organisational readiness for the Total Pay & Reward Programme, ensuring that interdependencies are well managed while maintaining high service standards.
Key Responsibilities1. HR Operations Leadership*Provide senior-level operational leadership across HR Operations.
*Drive improvements that streamline processes, reduce silos, and build consistent ways of working.
*Redesign HR operational processes to improve workflow and digital capability.
*Support the Head of HR Operations with risk management, prioritisation and service-wide coordination.
2. Reward, Recognition & Establishment Management*Lead and develop the Pay & Reward team to deliver a responsive and professional service.
*Oversee a fair and consistent job evaluation process.
*Maintain and evolve staff reward, benefits and recognition strategies.
*Manage communication and delivery of staff benefits.
*Oversee establishment control, ensuring high-quality data, governance and reporting.
*Lead allowance approval processes with transparency and risk oversight.
*Commission external reward/benchmarking support where needed.
3. Policy, Compliance & Advisory*Contribute to policy development relating to Reward, Establishment Management and HR Operations.
*Provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex reward and organisational change matters.
*Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law, case law and sector best practice.
4. Stakeholder Engagement*Build strong relationships with HR Business Partners, Directors and senior managers.
*Work collaboratively with Trade Unions, JE evaluators and staff networks.
*Partner with digital and systems teams to support HR modernisation.
5. Team Leadership & Development*Line manage and develop the Pay & Reward team, building capability and resilience.
*Recruit, train and maintain a pool of job evaluation panellists, including TU representatives.
*Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and professional development.
Knowledge, Skills & ExperienceEssential*Relevant degree or professional qualification (e.g., CIPD).
*Evidence of continuing professional development.
*Strong knowledge of Pay & Reward practices.
*Demonstrable experience leading Reward, Recognition or Compensation & Benefits functions.
*Experience in applying job evaluation frameworks.
*Proven ability to lead HR operational projects and influence policy.
*Experience delivering communication and engagement activities.
*Experience managing and developing staff.
*Experience implementing performance or quality assurance frameworks.
Desirable*Understanding of recruitment processes.
*Knowledge of statutory, policy and local government frameworks.
Team Structure*Direct line management of:2 × Pay & Reward Officers
*1 × Pay & Reward Administrative Assistant
*Oversight of a wider network of JE evaluators, including Trade Union representatives.
Working Conditions*Hybrid working available.
*All arrangements in line with corporate standards.
Please contact Anisha to apply!