HR Operations ManagerLocation: 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.