HR Operations Lead (Hybrid) – 12‑Month Maternity Cover

HR Operations Lead (Hybrid) – 12‑Month Maternity Cover

Temporary 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR operations, manage payroll, and improve employee processes in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Apollo, an innovative insurance platform with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a non-contributory pension.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while working flexibly in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR operations, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of UK employment legislation.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Who we are

Apollo, a Skyward Group company, is an innovation-inspired insurance platform operating at Lloyd’s of London, delivering data-driven and creative solutions across a broad range of risks. Our name reflects our origins. Inspired by one of our founding investors, Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, the business was built with the same pioneering mindset. Alongside Jim Hays, Neil set out to create a different kind of Lloyd’s platform, focused, agile and built around people. Since launch in 2009, we have grown into a diversified insurance group offering products across Property, Casualty, Marine, Energy and Transportation, Specialty and Reinsurance, alongside Smart Follow and digital and embedded risk programmes. Our experience and unique ecosystem give Platform Partners the best chance of success, from navigating the Lloyd’s new entrant process through to the delivery of their long-term strategy. With a team of more than 300 professionals, we continue to grow with purpose, combining underwriting excellence, innovation and collaboration to enable a more resilient and sustainable world.

Your Role

Apollo is looking for an experienced HR Operations Manager to join us on a 12-month fixed term contract, providing maternity cover for a well-established function within our collaborative HR team. Reporting to the Head of HR, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day HR Operations function, ensuring our people processes, HR systems, payroll and reporting continue to run smoothly while leading a small HR Operations team. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll balance operational excellence with continuous improvement. You'll oversee the full employee lifecycle, maintain accurate people data, support payroll governance, develop meaningful workforce reporting and identify opportunities to improve how HR services are delivered across the business. Joining Apollo means becoming part of a growing Lloyd's insurance business where HR is a valued partner to the business. You'll be trusted to make decisions, work closely with senior stakeholders and make an immediate impact from day one.

What you will do

  • Lead and support a small HR Operations team, ensuring a high-quality service across the employee lifecycle.
  • Own the day-to-day operation of our HR systems, maintaining accurate employee data and reporting.
  • Oversee payroll activities with our outsourced payroll provider, ensuring accuracy, governance and timely delivery.
  • Produce HR reporting and workforce analytics that support business and people decisions.
  • Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, controls and operational efficiency.
  • Support managers with HR operational matters, employee relations and policy guidance where appropriate.
  • Ensure HR processes remain compliant with employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with the Head of HR on operational projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

What we are looking for

We're looking for someone who enjoys creating efficient HR operations and takes pride in delivering an excellent internal service. You'll ideally bring:

  • Experience leading or managing an HR Operations function.
  • Experience working within a regulated or professional services environment.
  • Experience managing HR systems, ideally HiBob or a comparable HRIS.
  • Exposure to outsourced payroll processes and payroll governance.
  • Strong analytical skills with confidence producing HR reporting and workforce insights.
  • Experience improving HR processes, controls or service delivery.
  • A good understanding of UK employment legislation and HR operational best practice.
  • Previous experience managing or developing an HR team.
  • CIPD qualification, or working towards one, would be beneficial.

What you’ll get in return

We offer a competitive and thoughtfully designed reward package that reflects the value of our people. This includes a fair and attractive salary, discretionary bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package - including 31 days’ annual leave, a non-contributory pension and private medical insurance.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Apollo, people are at the heart of everything we do. We are a diverse, growing team of empowered experts who bring collaboration, innovation and data-driven thinking to every relationship and every risk. We believe diversity and inclusion go far beyond targets. They are essential to understanding the global communities we serve and to making better decisions. That’s why we are committed to developing diverse talent at every level and creating an environment where different perspectives are genuinely valued, supported and celebrated. We also run a programme of events, training and initiatives designed to recognise both the challenges and opportunities that come with building an inclusive workplace.

Hybrid & flexible working

Flexible and hybrid working are fully embraced at Apollo. We do not believe in presenteeism. Instead, we trust our people to work in ways that allow them to perform at their best, balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments.

Supporting your application

Apollo is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience where every candidate feels supported and able to perform at their best. To help us do this, we invite you to complete a confidential ClearTalents profile. It takes just a few minutes and allows you to share any adjustments that may support you during the recruitment process. Your information remains private, and the recruitment team is only notified if an adjustment is requested.

HR Operations Lead (Hybrid) – 12‑Month Maternity Cover employer: Apollosyndicate1969

Apollo is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, particularly for the Senior Outward Reinsurance Technician role. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including 31 days of annual leave, and a strong emphasis on flexible working arrangements, Apollo fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers employees to thrive in their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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Contact Details:

Apollosyndicate1969 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Operations Lead (Hybrid) – 12‑Month Maternity Cover

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 Apollosyndicate1969 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 HR Operations Lead (Hybrid) – 12‑Month Maternity Cover

HR Operations Management
Employee Lifecycle Management
HR Systems Management
Payroll Governance
HR Reporting and Analytics
Process Improvement
Compliance with Employment Legislation

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 Apollosyndicate1969. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Apollosyndicate1969

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at Apollosyndicate1969, 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 Apollosyndicate1969 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 Apollosyndicate1969.

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 Apollosyndicate1969.