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- Tasks: Lead recruitment and training for a magical Christmas event in Manchester.
- Company: Join LaplandUK, where we create unforgettable Christmas experiences for children.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, transport, and staff discounts while working in a festive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team that brings joy and magic to families every year.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or People Operations, especially in events or visitor attractions.
- Other info: Contract runs from July 2025 to January 2026, with exciting key dates to remember.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company Overview: We are most famous for our award-winning event, buried deep in the Crown Estate near Ascot. 18 years ago, Mike & Alison Battle created the event out of their own desire to take their children somewhere that would celebrate the pure, commercially unsullied, magic of Christmas. Now, with the help of Hollywood set-designers, West-End actors and more than a sprinkling of magic, the event is keeping the magic of Christmas alive for thousands of children every year. LaplandUK celebrates and honours the values, imagination, and wonderment of childhood through our magical world, rich storytelling and immersive memory making experiences. This is an exciting period of growth for us, as we look for new ways to bring the Lapland experience to a global audience through media, publishing, live shows, and eCommerce channels.
Role Summary: The People Operations Manager (Manchester) is responsible for the seasonal workforce for the Manchester live show, covering all departments and leading the pre-event work on recruitment & training, moving into on-site management & delivery. Managing a team of departmental schedulers & administrators, as well as working closely with operational managers once live. Driving the recruitment strategy for the event season, working closely with the resourcing team, and ensuring a seamless recruitment process and hitting target numbers on a weekly basis. Organising assessment centres / audition sessions, collaborating with the resourcing team and show operations team to achieve targets and KPIs.
- TALENT ACQUISITION & RECRUITMENT: Manage the end-to-end recruitment process for the seasonal workforce, from processing candidates to conducting interviews and making offers. Sift & schedule interviews for key management positions in conjunction with Heads of departments. Collaborate with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and ensure timely fulfilment of positions.
- EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & RETENTION: Design and implement programs to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. Conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions to gauge employee morale and identify areas for improvement. Develop and implement retention strategies to minimise turnover and foster a culture of loyalty and commitment.
- PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: Implement performance management systems and processes to evaluate employee performance and drive continuous improvement. Provide coaching and support to managers on performance-related issues, including goal setting, feedback, and performance reviews. Identify opportunities for professional development and training to help employees reach their full potential.
- HR POLICIES & COMPLIANCE: Maintain HR policies and procedures in compliance with legal requirements and industry best practices. Ensure adherence to labour laws and regulations, including but not limited to employment contracts, wage and hour laws, and workplace safety standards. Serve as a resource for employees on HR-related matters and provide guidance on policy interpretation and compliance.
- DURING THE LIVE SHOW PERIOD: Address queries, escalating as needed to the Head of People Operations. Ensure HR policies are applied and supervise the event HR team for compliance. Act as the first point of escalation for HR or other departmental managers, working with HR Advisors where extra support or guidance is needed.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: General understanding of common HR rules & requirements relating to temporary workers. Previous experience working in a People Operations or Workforce role within events, theatre or visitor attraction environment. Comfortable with being first point of contact for employees in person and online, often handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficient in Windows & Microsoft applications, as well as comfortable using various staffing & scheduling systems. Experience in payroll, scheduling, and management of teams. Experience in drafting and reporting, analysing documents and managing suppliers/contractors. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
MANCHESTER KEY DATES: Rehearsals & Departmental Training: 23rd October – 6th November. Dress Rehearsal: 7th & 8th November 2025. Preview: 9th November 2025. Opening Day of show: 13th November 2025. Closing Day of show: 24th December 2025. Start of Contract: 7th July 2025. End of Contract: 9th January 2026. Rate of Pay: £200 Per day Depending on location: £50 subsidy per working day or accommodation provided.
- BENEFITS: Free hot meal per shift. Free transport from the local train station. Unlimited tea & coffee. 20% Staff discount on selected dates.
People Operations Manager (Manchester) employer: LaplandUK
Contact Detail:
LaplandUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Operations Manager (Manchester)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the unique culture and values of LaplandUK. Understanding their commitment to creating magical experiences will help you align your approach to recruitment and employee engagement, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the events and theatre industry, especially those who have experience in People Operations. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that enhanced employee engagement and retention. Having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your capability to drive similar initiatives at LaplandUK.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in temporary workforce management, particularly in the events sector. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will show your proactive approach and readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Manager (Manchester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in People Operations, particularly within events or similar environments. Emphasise your skills in recruitment, employee engagement, and performance management, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, such as managing seasonal workforces or implementing HR policies. Make it personal and engaging to stand out.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from previous roles. For example, discuss how you successfully improved employee retention rates or streamlined recruitment processes, as this demonstrates your impact in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a People Operations Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at LaplandUK
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the People Operations Manager. Familiarise yourself with the recruitment process, employee engagement strategies, and performance management systems that are crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in People Operations or similar roles, especially within events or visitor attractions. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed recruitment or enhanced employee engagement.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain how you would handle queries from employees and collaborate with various teams during the live show period.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your interest in the company and the role. You might ask about their vision for employee engagement or how they measure success during the event season.
