People Operations Manager

Location: Hybrid, with on-site working in Bristol for at least 3 days per week.

Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role. GenomeKey is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Who We Are

GenomeKey is a Bristol based biotech startup developing a next-generation diagnostic device for bloodstream infections, using machine learning and DNA sequencing.

Key Responsibilities

We’re looking for a skilled People Operations Manager with a sharp eye for process, a genuine passion for culture, and the ability to create an environment where our team can do their best work.

Responsibilities

As an integral part of our team, you will work closely with the Head of Operations and Operations Assistant to evolve our People Operations function, ensuring it’s efficient, compliant, and inspiring. You’ll partner with leadership and managers across the business to make people processes seamless, scalable, and human. Your responsibilities will include:

• People and Culture:

• Work with the Operations and wider team to own and improve core people processes across the employee lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding.
• Lead team member engagement initiatives across both remote and in-lab team members, feedback loops, and internal communications.
• Partner with managers on performance cycles, ER cases, and development planning, bringing both rigour and empathy.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, ensuring our values show up in everything from onboarding to all-hands meetings.
• Mentor and support team members on People best practices.

• Lead on role planning and hiring, overseeing end-to-end recruitment alongside internal team members and external agencies with a focus on exceptional candidate experience.
• Collaborate with hiring managers to align hiring processes with evolving business needs.

• Identify and remove inefficiencies, duplication, and friction in People processes, including using AI where possible.
• Maintain compliant and up-to-date policies and processes in line with UK employment law.
• Communicate policy changes clearly and effectively across the business.

• Support cross-functional initiatives and special projects such as OKR rollouts, and new internal tool implementation.
• Collaborate with the Head of Ops and Leadership Team to improve operational efficiency across the company.

Who You Are

We are looking for a proactive, methodical, and people-focused operator who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment. You’ll have the confidence to own your remit end-to-end, the judgement to advise on sensitive matters, and the mindset to keep improving how we work.

Qualifications & Experience

We are open to varied backgrounds for this role but expect candidates to meet most of the following skills and experiences:

Essential

• 4+ years in a People Operations role within a startup environment.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law (and the resourcefulness to find the right answers fast).
• Proven ability to manage projects from scope to delivery.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and proactive, with a process-optimisation mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to enable at all levels.
• Passion for building a culture where people can thrive.

Desirable

• Experience with tools such as CharlieHR, and ClickUp.
• Exposure to Life Science or Biotech teams.
• Experience integrating automation or AI into operational workflows.

Our Hiring Process

• Intro call with hiring manager (20 minutes)
• Take-home task
• Role-fit interview (45 minutes)
• Final stage (45 minutes)

GenomeKey is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr