Head of HR Operations

Job Title: Head of HR Operations

Contract: Permanent
Location: London/Midlands
Reports to: Group HR Director
Direct Reports: Payroll Managers, Benefits Lead, HR Analyst
Salary: £90,000 – £130,000

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of HR Operations to lead the delivery of payroll, reward, benefits, HR systems, and operational HR services across a national, multi-entity organisation. This is a pivotal role within the central HR function, responsible for ensuring core HR services are legally compliant, efficient, data-led, and aligned with long-term business goals.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior HR leaders, Group functions, and operational teams to deliver a high-quality employee experience and help drive organisational transformation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong operational HR background who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities:-

HR Operations & Compliance

• Lead payroll, reward, and benefits operations, ensuring consistent and compliant delivery across multiple sites.
• Maintain up-to-date HR policies, procedures and systems aligned with current legislation, audit requirements, and best practice.
• Own and develop the Group’s HRIS strategy, driving systems optimisation and data accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations including year-end processes (P60s, P11Ds, PSA), and data protection (GDPR).

Reward & Benefits

• Provide strategic input on compensation and benefits planning, including benchmarking and reward design.
• Oversee the implementation and management of employee benefits schemes and ensure effective communication to staff.
• Support the Group HR Director in the delivery of reward transformation programmes.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing HR Operations team.
• Promote a customer-focused culture and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Build strong working relationships across business units, offering expert operational support and guidance.

Systems & Reporting

• Manage HR data governance and reporting, including workforce analytics, KPI reporting and insight generation.
• Collaborate with IT and external vendors to improve HR systems and streamline operational processes.
• Ensure robust controls are in place for data accuracy and integrity.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with senior HR and Finance stakeholders to align operational services with business objectives.
• Work cross-functionally to deliver group-wide initiatives, including transformation and change programmes.
• Manage external payroll and benefits providers, ensuring service quality and cost-effectiveness.

Experience & Skills Required

• Significant experience in a senior HR operations or reward role within a large, multi-site or complex organisation.
• Expert knowledge of UK payroll legislation, benefits administration, and HR systems (e.g. iTrent, Kallidus).
• Proven ability to lead operational change and implement process improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive insight and decision-making.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, with strong project management and delivery focus.
• Experience managing and negotiating with external suppliers and vendors.

Qualifications

• Degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (preferred).
• CIPD or equivalent professional qualification (desirable).
• Familiarity with professional standards and frameworks in compensation, benefits, or payroll is advantageous.

This organisation offers hybrid working of 3 days office 2 from home, office days will be split across both London and the Midlands so willingness to travel is required.

Please quote 51757 when calling Theo Saunders at Alexander Lloyd or email them at tsa@alexanderlloyd.co.uk.