People Operations Lead

Overview

As People Operations Lead, you will shape a high-performing People & Culture function at Ravensbourne, guiding processes that deliver an exceptional employee experience. You will partner across the University to drive continuous improvement in systems, data, and service delivery. This role focuses on payroll, compliance, recruitment lifecycle, and workforce data, enabling strategic decision-making and culture change. You will influence how we attract, onboard, develop and support colleagues in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. Come lead bold, people-centric transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing People Operations team
• Oversee recruitment administration, onboarding, contracts, employee changes and leaver processes
• Manage payroll preparation and quality assurance activities
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, Right to Work requirements, UKVI sponsorship, safeguarding and DBS obligations
• Lead employee benefits administration and workforce data management
• Oversee reporting, statutory returns and management information, including HESA submissions
• Partner with Finance, Payroll, IT and People colleagues to improve systems, processes and service delivery
• Drive continuous improvement through technology, automation and best practice

Key requirements

• Significant experience in HR Operations, People Services or Employee Services
• Proven track record of leading and developing teams
• Strong knowledge of payroll, HR administration and employment legislation
• Experience managing HR systems, workforce data and reporting
• Knowledge of Right to Work, UKVI, safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements
• Excellent analytical, organisational and stakeholder management skills
• Continuous improvement mindset and commitment to exceptional service delivery
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience

• Stakeholder management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Analytical mindset
• Payroll processing
• HR systems management
• Workforce data management and reporting

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