At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic HR team and manage all aspects of operational HR across global regions.
- Company: Join ActiveOps, a fast-growing Decision Intelligence business with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking team driving continuous improvement in HR processes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a scaling global business while championing people management.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong leadership skills, and a hands-on approach to operations.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
ActiveOps is a listed Decision Intelligence business serving 100+ enterprise customers in regulated industries, with £42m ARR and a clear path to £100m. This is a genuine generalist HR Manager role. You will manage a small team comprising an HR Advisor, HR Coordinator and HR Systems Analyst, and will be responsible for the full breadth of operational HR across the global regions in which ActiveOps operates. From employee relations and employment life-cycle management to people data, compliance and benefits administration, this role touches every part of the HR agenda.
Working under the direction of the Group HR Director, you will play an integral role in translating the people strategy into everyday operational practice, championing a consistent and commercially grounded approach to people management, and ensuring the function is genuinely proactive and responsive to the needs of a scaling global business.
- Experienced HR professional with a strong, demonstrable track record of managing complex, multi-jurisdiction ER caseloads.
- Proven experience in a commercial, fast-paced business environment; experience managing, coaching and developing direct reports.
- A hands-on approach: comfortable and willing to get involved in operational and transactional HR work alongside strategic contribution.
- Proven ability to run HR operations independently, comfortable owning multiple workstreams simultaneously in a growing business.
- Confidence using people data to inform recommendations and decisions.
Operational HR Management
- Responsible for line management and development of direct reports (currently HR Advisor, Coordinator, Systems Analyst), setting clear objectives, actively developing their capability and managing performance with care and rigour.
- Be a strong business partner to support the operational teams, ensuring a joined-up and consistent approach to cross-border people matters, acting as the first point of escalation for the team on complex cases, policy questions, ensuring high-risk issues are escalated promptly.
- Drive continuous improvement across all HR processes and systems, working with the Systems Analyst to ensure data quality, automation and reporting.
- Support the HR Director in developing and rolling out people programmes, performance cycles, engagement initiatives, manager training.
Employee Relations
- Working closely with the HR Advisor, lead day-to-day ER caseload disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, absence, redundancy across all jurisdictions.
- Coach, support and advise line managers on fair, consistent, commercially sound people decisions.
- Manage cross-border ER complexity, engaging local legal counsel where required, and escalating high-risk cases to the HR Director.
- Maintain ER case tracker and produce monthly ER summary for the HR Director.
Employment
- Oversee the day-to-day delivery of onboarding, induction and probation processes across all regions, providing guidance and stepping in where needed.
- Oversee a consistent and compliant bi-annual Performance and Development Review process, stepping in to provide guidance where needed.
- Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the HR operations calendar, probation reviews, contract renewals, right-to-work compliance and annual policy updates, providing guidance where needed.
- Support the HR team on SOC 2 and ISO 27001 HR controls, ensuring evidence is gathered and procedures are maintained.
HR Systems & People Data
- Work closely with the HR Systems Analyst to maximise HRIS capability and ensure monthly HR KPI reporting is accurate and timely.
- Oversee payroll inputs and reconciliations in partnership with Finance across all active pay jurisdictions.
- Use people data to surface trends and recommendations including, but not limited to, attrition risk, absence patterns, and ER themes, escalating findings to the HR Director as appropriate.
Recruitment Support
- Partner with the Talent Acquisition Manager to support hiring activity where needed, offer management, contracts, pre-boarding.
- Support the candidate experience for recruitment and onboarding.
- Support the annual bonus and pay review process, from data preparation to manager communications.
Policy, Projects & Continuous Improvement
- Support the Group HR Director in delivering strategic people initiatives and projects, providing operational input and execution.
- Maintain and update the HR policy suite, handbooks and policies across jurisdictions, within the framework set by the Group HR Director.
- Identify gaps or inefficiencies in current HR processes and propose pragmatic solutions through to execution.
- Working closely with the Talent Acquisition Manager and Comms & Engagement Manager on a variety of People-related projects where required.
Senior Human Resources Manager in Reading employer: ActiveOps
ActiveOps is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on operational HR management, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while shaping processes that directly impact the company's ambitious goals. The collaborative work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in a scaling global business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Human Resources Manager in Reading
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at ActiveOps!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at ActiveOps.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Human Resources Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at ActiveOps. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to ActiveOps and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at ActiveOps. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to ActiveOps's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at ActiveOps
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with ActiveOps.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at ActiveOps will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact ActiveOps and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
