At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead People Operations, enhance processes, and support employee experience in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on People & Culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team driving positive change in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in HR operations with strong Workday expertise and analytical skills.
Salary: up to £74,000 per year (depending on experience)
Location: London (Hybrid)
Contract: 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract
Reporting to: VP People & Culture
Experience Level: Senior (5+ years' experience)
Position Summary
We’re looking for an experienced Senior People Operations Manager to join our People & Culture team on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave.
Responsibilities
- People Operations Leadership
- Lead the day‑to‑day delivery of People Operations, ensuring a high‑quality, consistent experience across the employee lifecycle including the compensation review cycle.
- Act as the most senior People Operations point of contact during the cover period, deputising for the VP People & Culture on operational matters where required.
- Support P&C team members, providing direction, support, mentoring and quality oversight.
- Own and improve People Operations processes, policies, and documentation, ensuring they remain fit for purpose, legally compliant, and scalable.
- Work on employee relations casework, including complex or sensitive matters, escalating to the People Operations Lead or VP where appropriate.
- Own employee onboarding and payroll administration processes, ensuring positive employee experience, accuracy and compliance.
- Drive compliance with employment legislation and internal governance and compliance requirements, including ensuring compliant right to work check process.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with senior managers and business leaders, providing confident and pragmatic HR guidance.
- Workday Ownership, HR Systems and Reporting
- Act as the senior Workday subject‑matter expert for the business, owning the overall approach to system governance, configuration, and continuous improvement.
- Lead and manage Workday across all relevant modules, including Absence, Performance & Goals, Recruiting, Compensation cycles.
- Own the relationship with the wider Group Workday team, representing the business on system updates, testing, and cross‑group rollouts.
- Lead the scoping, implementation, and embedding of new Workday functionality and process enhancements.
- Set and maintain standards with the P&C Analyst for data integrity, reporting and audit processes, partnering with the VP People & Culture to ensure accountability for Group and Board reporting.
- Develop and deliver Workday training and capability‑building across the business, including for senior stakeholders and managers.
- Use people data and system reporting to surface insights, identify trends, and inform decision‑making.
- Drive a culture of operational efficiency, proactively identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, and the employee and manager experience.
- People & Culture Contribution
- Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead on wider People & Culture projects and initiatives during the cover period.
- Support the VP People & Culture in delivering against the People & Culture strategy.
- Collaborate with the People Operations Lead to design and deliver learning content for managers and employees beyond Workday training, building broader people management capability across the business.
- Support employee engagement activity, helping to maintain and strengthen the business as a great place to work.
- Represent People Operations in cross‑functional forums and senior stakeholder meetings.
Requirements – Essential
- A strong track record in a People Operations, HR Operations, or HR Systems‑focused role, with demonstrable progression to a senior or lead level.
- Hands‑on Workday expertise, including configuration and business process management, with good working knowledge across modules such as Absence, Performance, Goals, Recruiting, and Compensation.
- Experience with employment law and managing complex employee relations cases with minimal supervision.
- Confidence operating as a senior HR point of contact and advising senior managers and leaders.
- Strong analytical skills and experience using people data to support decision‑making.
- Excellent judgement, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive matters professionally.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with a collaborative and proactive style and ability to partner with cross‑functional teams.
- Comfortable operating independently and driving change management.
Nice to Have
- Experience working in a SaaS, technology, private‑equity‑backed or high‑growth businesses.
- Exposure to HR strategy or organisational development work.
- CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience managing or mentoring People Operations team members.
- Familiarity with process improvement methodologies.
- Experience using AI tools to improve productivity and efficiency in People Operations.
Senior People Operations Manager (12 Months FTC) employer: Aareon UK
Join our dynamic People & Culture team in London as a Senior People Operations Manager, where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping a high-quality employee experience. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values professional growth and offers opportunities for mentorship and development. With a competitive salary and the flexibility of a hybrid working model, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Operations Manager (12 Months FTC)
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Aareon UK and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Operations Manager (12 Months FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Aareon UK. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aareon UK
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Aareon UK, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Aareon UK uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Aareon UK.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Aareon UK.
