Head of HR Operations

Overview

In this role you will lead a global HR Operations function for a large, multi-country education group, shaping an efficient service for thousands of employees. You’ll report to the HR Director and work with senior leaders to align operations with growth and transformation goals. You will drive governance, compliance, and a strong employee lifecycle framework, while advancing systems and data capabilities. This is a strategic leadership role with a focus on delivering excellent service and scalable processes across a diverse, international workforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global HR Operations strategy to deliver an efficient, scalable, and commercially-focused people service
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle: onboarding, contracts, payroll governance, benefits, mobility, records, offboarding
• Lead a high-performing HR Operations team with a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Drive optimisation of HR systems (SuccessFactors), data management, reporting, and people tech infrastructure
• Establish robust governance and controls for compliance with employment law, GDPR, safeguarding, and policies
• Partner with senior leaders to ensure HR operations support growth, transformation and workforce planning
• Lead HR transformation and change initiatives to streamline processes and improve employee experience
• Utilise people analytics and workforce data to influence decision-making and strategic objectives
• Manage relationships with external vendors to ensure value and quality in service delivery
• Contribute to the wider People Leadership Team and the overall people strategy

Key requirements

• Experience at Head of HR Operations, Senior HR Operations Manager, Shared Services Leader, or equivalent
• Experience leading HR operations in complex, multi-site environments with 1000+ headcount
• Strong knowledge of HR operations, governance, employment law, people systems, and lifecycle management
• Proven success in HR transformation, process improvement, and service excellence
• Experience managing and developing high-performing operational teams
• Strong commercial acumen balancing strategic priorities with delivery
• Expertise in HR technology, data governance, reporting and people analytics
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leaders
• CIPD qualified (Level 7 preferred) or equivalent professional experience

• Strategic thinking
• Stakeholder management
• Leadership and people development
• SuccessFactors
• HR data governance
• Workforce analytics

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