At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations and oversee People service delivery in a dynamic environment.
- Company: A growing charitable organisation in the sporting and leisure sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Great opportunity for those returning to work from parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role while supporting a diverse workforce.
- Qualifications: Strong HR experience, knowledge of UK employment law, and multi-site management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
People Operations Lead (Maternity Cover, 12 Months)
Full-Time, Fixed-Term
£55,000
Hybrid, based near Woking, Surrey, or near Sevenoaks, Kent, with regular travel across sites. Please note for the Sevenoaks site, you will need a car to access the office. This role follows a hybrid pattern of four days on-site and one day from home, with flexibility around this where needed.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, circumstances and career paths, providing you have the skills and experience to do the role, which include:
- Strong, hands-on employee relations experience including complex case management
- Excellent knowledge of UK employment law
- Experience managing People Operations across a multi-site environment
This would be a great role for someone with the above-mentioned skills looking to return to the workplace from parental, or similar, leave.
Our client is a growing, multi-site charitable organisation in the sporting and leisure space, looking for an experienced People Operations Lead to provide maternity cover for their Head of People. This is a hands-on, fast-paced leadership role at the heart of the People function, reporting directly into the Chief People Officer.
You will be the organisation's go-to for employee relations and operational People delivery, working closely with a newly appointed People Development & Engagement Lead, and supporting managers across a predominantly hourly-paid, multi-site workforce.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading employee relations activity across the organisation, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance and capability cases
- Coaching and supporting managers to handle people issues confidently and consistently
- Overseeing day-to-day People service delivery, including recruitment, onboarding and HR systems
- Maintaining compliance with UK employment law, Right to Work, DBS and documentation requirements
- Providing oversight and quality assurance of payroll, working closely with the Payroll Officer
- Acting as a trusted People partner to managers and senior leaders, with regular reporting to the Chief People Officer
What we're looking for:
- Strong, hands-on senior HR Generalist, HR Business Partner or People Operations experience
- Excellent employee relations experience, including complex case management
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and best practice
- Experience operating across a multi-site environment, ideally hourly-paid or front-line workforces
- Confident working autonomously and at pace in an evolving environment
- CIPD Level 5+ and experience within hospitality, leisure, retail or charity sectors desirable
Process and timing:
Initial agency screening meeting and two further interviews with the client. The role needs someone in place by mid-to-end July 2026 to allow for a detailed handover ahead of maternity leave starting in mid-August.
Interested? Get in touch.
Human Resources Lead in Kent employer: Boffin Recruitment
As a growing charitable organisation in the sporting and leisure sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to meaningful employee relations initiatives across multiple sites. With opportunities for professional growth and development, this role is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Lead in Kent
✨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 Boffin Recruitment!
✨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 Boffin Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Lead in Kent
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 Boffin Recruitment. 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 Boffin Recruitment 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 Boffin Recruitment. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Boffin Recruitment'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 Boffin Recruitment
✨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 Boffin Recruitment.
✨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 Boffin Recruitment 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 Boffin Recruitment and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
