People Operations Manager - People & Talent Team

Join to apply for the People Operations Manager role at Adam Smith International. Are you looking for a hands-on People Operations role where you can take ownership, improve systems, document processes and support teams working in some of the world’s most interesting and sometimes challenging contexts? We’re looking for a People Operations Manager to join our People & Talent Team.

This role is a great fit for someone with solid People Operations experience who’s ready to step up, lead key projects and support our workforce across corporate platforms and multiple project-based international locations. You don’t need to have it all figured out yet, but you should be comfortable rolling up your sleeves, solving problems and learning fast.

Our operations don’t follow a typical “expansion” path; instead, we work where the business need is, which means our international presence evolves. You’ll help ensure we can mobilise teams quickly and compliantly wherever we work. This is a build and improve role, where you’ll work closely with our Head of People and Talent and the regional People Partners to deliver core operational excellence. We are a truly global team based across ASI Hubs in London, Nairobi, Islamabad, Delhi & Sydney. This position will be based out of the UK office.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You’ll report to the Head of People & Talent and play a central role in shaping how we deliver consistent, efficient and people-first HR operations across all parts of the business.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure compliance with employment law and internal policies across our key jurisdictions. Oversee the People Team Inbox and assign to relevant team members. Be a trusted advisor to employees and managers on People related matters. Own the coordination and tracking of performance review cycles, ensuring all reviews are completed on time and properly logged in our systems.
• Country Project Set Up and Support: Develop, maintain and evolve a Country Set Up Checklist for employment, compliance and contracting. Act as a key point of coordination between People, Legal, Finance, Duty of Care and local stakeholders to establish and support compliant and operational frameworks in countries of operation and ensure smooth mobilisations. Cultural Integration: Develop programs to assist employees in adapting to new cultural environments, essential for international postings.
• HR Systems & Reporting: Be the central point of contact for our HR Operating System (OS) – maintaining clean data and improving functionality for accuracy, reporting and scalability. Partner with Finance, Legal and IT to ensure integrations between HR, payroll and other internal systems. Build and document core HR processes, ensure they are efficient, compliant and employee friendly. Use HR analytics to provide insights into workforce trends, helping inform strategic decisions and improve HR processes.
• Project Management & Process Building: Build and maintain a comprehensive People Operations roadmap in collaboration with the People team. Lead or support projects to strengthen our people operations (e.g. system changes, benefits reviews, documentation refreshes). Own documentation of processes, works and compliance frameworks. Track progress, risks and dependencies across multiple workstreams. Co-ordinate with teams across the business to ensure smooth implementation.
• Payroll & Benefits Oversight: Work closely with Finance and the People team to support accurate and timely monthly payroll processing. Review payroll inputs and liaise with Finance teams and/or local providers to ensure on time payrolls and compliance with local statutory requirements. Maintain awareness of local compliance requirements and ensure appropriate documentation and processes are in place.

What We’re Looking For

• A curious, adaptable mindset, you’re motivated by variety and growth.
• A sharp eye for process and detail – you thrive in the behind-the-scenes engine room and have a strong sense of accountability and follow-through.
• Strong project management and documentation skills. Able to manage complexity and create clarity.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills – you’re comfortable across functions.
• Experience in People Operations and systems management, ideally in a fast-paced or international environment.
• Experience building or contributing to entity management or international expansion projects.
• Experience working with payroll teams or vendors, including an understanding of preparing and validating monthly inputs.

Nice to Have

• An interest in working on international development matters, even if not already an expert.
• Previous engagement with Global Payroll providers or experience with Employer of Record (EOR) models or setting up in new countries.

Package & Benefits

• Salary: circa £60k gross per annum (Senior Manager 1 level).
• Hybrid Working (Central London office 2 days/week).
• 25 days holiday + public holidays.
• Group Income Protection & Group Life Insurance.
• Pension (Employee and Employer Contribution).
• Private Medical Health Cash Plan.
• Travel Insurance (personal & professional).
• 4 x Mental Health ½ days EAP service.

ASI is committed to integrity and sustainability, maintaining our status as a top-rated B Corp in the UK. Join us and be part of a team committed to making a lasting positive impact worldwide. ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Deadline for applications is COB 27th June 2025.