At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, payroll, and systems while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Avidity Group, a dynamic parent company of five specialist agencies.
- Benefits: Up to £60k salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and more perks.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for operational excellence and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR services and influence at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Strong payroll experience, HR systems knowledge, and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
HR Shared Service Manager
Up to £60k. Package includes Company Bonus, Private Health Care, PHI, Life Assurance, Annual Leave Purchase & more. Hybrid – with ability to travel to Glasgow or Maidenhead.
Avidity Group is the parent company of 5 specialist agencies who offer a range of services to help brands sell more. We’re proud to partner with some of the UK and Ireland’s most recognised and well-loved brands, supporting them to grow faster, sell smarter and stand out in competitive markets.
Reporting to the Group People Director and sitting on the People Leadership Team (PLT), this is a key role with real visibility and influence across the business. You’ll lead a talented team responsible for payroll, HR systems and data, administration, and reward – ensuring we deliver a seamless, high-quality service to colleagues across the Group. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine hands-on operational leadership with strategic impact, helping shape the future of our people services.
What you’ll be doing
- Oversee the end-to-end payroll process, supporting your team to deliver when required.
- Take ownership of our HR systems, driving continuous enhancement, optimisation and efficiency.
- Lead the delivery of regular and ad hoc reporting, and ownership of our people data and providing meaningful insight.
- Manage key cyclical activities such as gender pay gap reporting, engagement surveys, board reporting, benefits renewals, system renewals and pension audits.
- Chair and lead the Group Remuneration Committee (RemCom).
- Own and manage supplier relationships on our reward and benefits offering.
What we’re looking for
- Strong, hands-on experience of end-to-end payroll — UK essential, Ireland highly desirable.
- Experience working with and influencing stakeholders at all levels (internal and external), with examples such as leading governance forums (e.g. RemCom).
- Strong knowledge of HR systems and data, including configuration, optimisation and reporting.
- Proven experience leading a team in a fast paced, complex environment.
- Experience in reward and compensation processes, particularly from an operational perspective.
- A track record of driving process improvement and delivering operational excellence.
- Experience within retail or an agency environment would be highly advantageous, alongside a track record of managing budgets, driving change and developing policies.
Skills & capabilities
- Exceptional attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy.
- Clear, confident communicator with the ability to influence and build relationships.
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
- A data-driven mindset, able to interpret and present insight effectively.
- Advanced Excel skills (e.g. Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP).
- A forward-thinking, AI-curious mindset, with an interest in automation and efficiency.
- Comfortable switching between hands-on operational delivery and strategic discussion.
Why join us?
This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a critical function, influence at a senior level, and shape how HR Services evolve across Avidity. You’ll be joining a collaborative People Leadership Team, playing a key role in delivering both operational excellence and continuous improvement. With colleagues based across the UK and Ireland, we’re proud of our collaborative, people-first culture.
HR Shared Service Manager employer: Avidity
Avidity Group is an exceptional employer that values its employees through a collaborative, people-first culture and offers a competitive package including a company bonus, private health care, and opportunities for professional growth. As an HR Shared Service Manager, you will have the chance to influence strategic decisions while leading a talented team in a dynamic environment, with the flexibility of hybrid working and travel to vibrant locations like Glasgow or Maidenhead. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our people services and be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Shared Service Manager
✨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 Avidity!
✨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 Avidity.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Shared Service Manager
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 Avidity. 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 Avidity 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 Avidity. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Avidity'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 Avidity
✨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 Avidity.
✨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 Avidity 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 Avidity and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
