At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic HR team delivering top-notch services across EMEA & APAC.
- Company: Join Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a global leader in financial services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of collaboration and inclusivity in a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while collaborating with diverse teams worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.
Job Description
Where you’ll fit in & what our team goals are… You will lead a team of HR specialists delivering high-quality, compliant HR services across EMEA & APAC. The team (4 in London, 1 in Munich) operates within a global shared services model, acting as a Tier 3 function supporting employee lifecycle activities including onboarding, offboarding, contractual changes, leave of absence, and employee relations.
Your role is responsible for ensuring effective service delivery through Workday (HRIS) and ServiceNow (case management system), managing escalations, monitoring case risk and driving continuous improvement. The role also leads regional HR projects, supporting process harmonisation and inclusion initiatives, system enhancements, and operational excellence.
How you'll spend your time...
- Leading, coaching, and developing the EMEA & APAC HR Specialist team
- Managing delivery of employee lifecycle processes: onboarding and offboarding, contractual changes, leave of absence administration and employee relations case support
- Overseeing HR service delivery within a Shared Services / HR Service Center model, ensuring alignment to tiered support (Tier 1–2)
- Managing HR cases end-to-end using ServiceNow, including escalations, SLAs, and case quality
- Acting as an escalation point for complex and sensitive employee cases
- Ensuring accurate processing and data integrity in Workday
- Monitoring case volumes, trends, and performance metrics, driving improvements and case deflection
- Leading and delivering HR projects and process improvements, including system enhancements and process harmonisation
- Partnering with HR Business Partners, Employee Relations, Payroll, Benefits, HRIS, and other stakeholders
- Ensuring compliance with local employment requirements across EMEA and APAC
- Driving continuous improvement, standardisation, and automation of HR processes
To be successful in this role you will have...
- Experience leading an HR Operations or HR Service Center team within a shared services model
- Proven experience working in a case management environment managing case lifecycle, SLAs, and escalations
- Strong knowledge of HR operational processes, including onboarding, offboarding, contractual changes, leave of absence, and employee relations support
- Strong working knowledge of Workday (or similar HRIS)
- Proven experience leading projects, process improvements, or HR transformation initiatives
- Ability to manage high-volume, case-driven workloads while maintaining quality and compliance
- Strong stakeholder management skills across a matrixed, international environment
- Excellent problem-solving, organisational, and decision-making skills
- High attention to detail, with a strong focus on data accuracy and governance
If you also had this, it would be great...
- Experience working across EMEA and/or APAC, with an understanding of multi-country complexity
- Experience with ServiceNow (or similar advanced case management platforms)
- Experience supporting HR technology improvements or system integrations
- HR qualification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM)
- Experience working in financial services
In-Office Collaboration
We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full time
Worker Sub Type
Permanent
Job Family Group
Human Capital
Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.
We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.
HR Shared Services / Operations Manager employer: Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and collaboration within a dynamic, global environment. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and a performance-based culture, employees benefit from diverse career opportunities, comprehensive HR support, and a healthy work-life balance, all while working in a vibrant London office that fosters face-to-face collaboration. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional development.
Contact Details:
Columbia Threadneedle Investments Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Shared Services / Operations 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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments!
✨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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Shared Services / Operations 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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments. 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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments 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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Columbia Threadneedle Investments'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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments
✨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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
✨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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments 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 Columbia Threadneedle Investments and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
