At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, manage employee relations, and improve HR policies in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a premium-sector business in London with a founder-influenced culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Immediate start preferred; great opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role with direct exposure to senior leadership.
- Qualifications: Solid employment law knowledge, payroll experience, and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
Experts in Luxury (EIL) is partnering with an ambitious, founder-influenced premium-sector business in London to appoint a Head of HR Operations for a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering maternity leave.
This is a genuinely high-calibre, hands-on operational leadership role — not a place-holder interim. You'll own the day-to-day running of the HR function in a lean, fast-moving, high-standards environment, with real autonomy and direct exposure to senior leadership. It's a role for someone who enjoys being the person who makes things work: bringing calm, structure, and sound judgement rather than process for its own sake.
What makes it interesting is the range. One moment you're advising on a complex employee-relations case or reviewing a payroll query; the next you're in a leadership-team conversation shaping people strategy. Reporting to the HR Director, you'll lead day-to-day HR and provide leadership to a Senior HR Advisor.
THE ROLE
- Lead day-to-day HR operations across the full employee lifecycle.
- Own employee relations and casework — disciplinaries, grievances, and performance — grounded in current UK employment law and ACAS best practice.
- Oversee payroll, working closely with providers to ensure accurate, compliant monthly processing.
- Improve HR policies, processes, and systems, and use people data to support decisions.
- Advise and coach managers and senior stakeholders, handling sensitive matters with discretion.
BE A STRONG FIT IF YOU…
- Have solid, current employment-law and ER knowledge and are comfortable running casework hands-on rather than delegating it.
- Bring genuine payroll oversight experience and are confident working with payroll providers.
- Are analytical and organised, with good Excel and people-data skills and real attention to detail.
- Have operated in a senior, hands-on HR role in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment — comfortable moving between operational detail and strategic conversation.
- Are calm, pragmatic, low-ego, and credible with demanding stakeholders.
- Are CIPD qualified (Level 7 ideal, though strong hands-on experience matters most).
Backgrounds that translate well include standalone or lean HR roles, founder-led and entrepreneurial businesses, luxury / hospitality / premium consumer, and professional services. If you're a strong match on most of the above, we'd encourage you to apply.
THE DETAIL
- Contract: 12-month fixed-term
- Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience (completion bonus considered)
- Working pattern: Full-time; open to four days a week or week-to-week flex by workload. Office-based in London, with informal Friday flexibility.
- Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays
- Start: This is an urgent hire — ideally within around two to four weeks, so short-notice or immediate availability is a real advantage.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply via LinkedIn, or contact Experts in Luxury (EIL) in confidence. Given the urgency, we're reviewing applications and speaking with candidates on a rolling basis. All applications are handled in strict confidence; the client's identity is shared with shortlisted candidates once mutual interest is established.
Experts in Luxury (EIL) is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Head of Human Resources Operations - 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover) in Slough employer: EIL
Join a dynamic and ambitious premium-sector business in London as the Head of HR Operations, where you will enjoy a hands-on leadership role with real autonomy and direct exposure to senior leadership. The company fosters a high-calibre work environment that values calm, structure, and sound judgement, offering competitive salary packages, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on employee relations and strategic people management, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources Operations - 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover) in Slough
✨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 EIL 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 Head of Human Resources Operations - 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover) in Slough
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 EIL. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at EIL
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at EIL, 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 EIL 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 EIL.
✨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 EIL.
