Senior HR Operations Assistant
Senior HR Operations Assistant

Senior HR Operations Assistant

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Cognita Schools

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage HR operations and support employee experience across the UK and Europe.
  • Company: Cognita is a global leader in independent education with over 100 schools worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, 25 days holiday, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Applications close on 03/09/2025; early applications encouraged.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in education while working remotely.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR operations, strong attention to detail, and proficiency in HR systems required.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

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About the Job

Full-time | Permanent | Fully Remote

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 20 countries – in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East – serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About The Role

At Cognita, we are a global community of schools working together to provide outstanding education for our students. Behind the scenes, our HR Operations team plays a vital role in making this happen, ensuring every colleague is supported from day one. As our new Senior HR Operations Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of that journey, helping us deliver a seamless employee experience across the UK and Europe.

Are you a detail-focused HR professional who enjoys working in a dynamic environment? Do you have the ability to manage complex HR operations across multiple countries? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll take ownership of critical HR operations across the full employee lifecycle, including:

  • Ensure compliance with local policies, legislation, and safer recruitment requirements across different countries.
  • Support schools and central teams with HR systems and process queries.
  • Produce accurate HR reporting and maintain employee data.
  • Act as the first point of contact for compliance queries (Right to Work, Safer Recruitment checks, etc.).
  • Maintain organisational charts.
  • This is a varied role where no two days are the same. You’ll balance multiple priorities while keeping a sharp eye on detail.

To View a Full Job Description, Please Click Here

Who we are looking for:

  • Proven experience in HR operations or shared services
  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong understanding of HR policies, processes, and compliance (ideally across UK and Europe).
  • A proactive, problem-solving mindset, able to use initiative and adapt quickly.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and manage competing demands.
  • Confidence using HR systems and strong MS Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Benefits At Cognita

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
  • GPPP Pension
  • Life Assurance
  • 25 Days Holiday (plus bank holidays)
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee Discounts Site

How To Apply

Complete your application before the closing date: 03/09/2025.

We encourage early applications, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Location: United Kingdom (Remote)

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Senior HR Operations Assistant employer: Cognita Schools

Cognita is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture, allowing HR professionals to thrive in a fully remote environment. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and generous holiday allowances, employees are empowered to grow and develop their careers while contributing to a meaningful mission in education across the UK and Europe.
Cognita Schools

Contact Detail:

Cognita Schools Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior HR Operations Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Cognita's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to creating a thriving environment for students will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your HR experience can contribute to their goals.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience with compliance and HR policies across different countries. Since the role involves managing HR operations in multiple regions, demonstrating your knowledge of local legislation and safer recruitment practices will set you apart.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex HR operations in previous roles. Being able to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them will illustrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your proficiency with HR systems and MS Office tools, particularly Excel. Providing concrete examples of how you've used these tools to improve HR processes or reporting will demonstrate your technical capabilities and attention to detail.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Operations Assistant

HR Operations Management
Attention to Detail
Compliance Knowledge
Problem-Solving Skills
Proactive Mindset
Data Management
HR Systems Proficiency
MS Office Skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Ability to Work Independently
Prioritisation Skills
Understanding of Employment Legislation
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Senior HR Operations Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these expectations.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your proven experience in HR operations or shared services. Use specific examples to demonstrate your attention to detail, understanding of HR policies, and ability to manage complex operations across multiple countries.

Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your proficiency in HR systems and MS Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Provide examples of how you've used these skills effectively in previous roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your proactive, problem-solving mindset. Explain why you are interested in working for Cognita and how you can contribute to their mission of providing outstanding education.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools

✨Showcase Your HR Knowledge

Make sure to brush up on your understanding of HR policies and compliance, especially those relevant to the UK and Europe. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Since the role requires exceptional attention to detail, consider sharing specific examples from your past experiences where your meticulousness made a significant impact. This will highlight your suitability for the position.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex HR operations. Think of scenarios where you had to adapt quickly or resolve issues effectively, and be ready to discuss them.

✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Systems

As the role involves using HR systems, ensure you're comfortable discussing your experience with various HRIS and ATS platforms. Highlight any specific software you've used and how it contributed to your efficiency in HR operations.

Senior HR Operations Assistant
Cognita Schools
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