People Services Project Manager in London

People Services Project Manager in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
Global University Systems

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting HR projects to enhance payroll and people operations.
  • Company: Join Global University Systems, a leader in international education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, pension contributions, and staff discounts.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on HR processes and support students' futures.
  • Qualifications: Experience in UK payroll and HR systems is essential.

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

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning. We offer a choice of career-enhancing certificates, degrees and post-graduate level qualifications, equipping our thriving multi-national community of students for lifelong success.

We are looking for a People Services Project Manager to lead on a number of significant projects which will strengthen our HR operations to support our UK workforce. These include:

  • Payroll & Change Delivery - Lead the transition of UK payroll from an outsourced managed service to an in-house model, with a focus on automation and process improvement. Ensure service levels are maintained through the transition, and all change is tested and guaranteed to pay our employees accurately and on time. Lead on further offshoring of UK payrolls by managing transition activity end to end, including planning, communications, training and stakeholder engagement. Ensure robust documentation, strong controls, governance, and audits are in place to support accurate and compliant payroll delivery.
  • People Operations & Service Excellence - Develop business cases, gain approval and then lead automation and AI implementation across end-to-end employee lifecycle processes. Track benefits realisation. Plan and execute further offshoring opportunities including but not limited to College Division onboarding activities. Ensure service standards are maintained throughout transition periods and strong communication and stakeholder engagement is maintained during the change programme. Ensure all services have robust Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Through various projects/implementations review team capacity to ensure resources are maximised. Identify opportunities for further consolidation of UK HR admin processes, systems and suppliers.
  • Policy, Compliance & Governance - Develop internal audit processes to ensure compliance with UK employment legislation. Champion working groups (UK focused initially) to collaborate on UK statutory and policy changes, understanding business impact and educating wider HR teams.
  • Systems & Data - Review current HR systems and develop a roadmap of options to consolidate, streamline and reduce costs of multiple systems. Oversee development of Global People dashboard and ensure data is updated, accurate and evolves to provide information and insights that the business needs.

Skills & Experience

  • Experience implementing and managing in-house UK payroll, including project delivery and change management.
  • Strong knowledge of UK payroll, tax, pensions, benefits, and statutory pay requirements.
  • Solid UK HR experience with a good understanding of employment legislation.
  • Exposure to offshore HR or payroll service delivery models.
  • End-to-end knowledge of employee lifecycle processes.
  • Experience working with HR Information Systems (HRIS).
  • Structured, process-driven approach with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Proven coaching, mentoring, and people leadership skills.

Personal Attributes

  • Practical and solutions-focused and confident working through change.
  • Methodical with extreme attention to detail.
  • Collaborative, a strong communicator and good at building stakeholder relationships.
  • Comfortable balancing operational detail with wider organisational priorities.

What We Offer

  • Hybrid working - most roles offer hybrid or flexible arrangements to support work life balance.
  • Contributory Pension Scheme - 5% personal contribution & 3% Company contribution, so you can build long-term financial security with added benefits of the company contributions.
  • Season Ticket Loan (T&C's apply) - spread the cost of your commute with an interest-free travel loan.
  • Training & Development opportunities (T&C's apply) - access to short courses via FutureLearn and Group-wide professional development programmes.
  • Staff Discount Scheme - via My Rewards Hub, from various retailers – Fashion, Grocery, Health & Beauty, Travel, Automotive, Furniture, Dining, Sports and Leisure, Electronics, etc.
  • Employee Assistance Programme - confidential support for your wellbeing, whenever you need it.

GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

People Services Project Manager in London employer: Global University Systems

Global University Systems (GUS) is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusivity and professional growth, making it an ideal place for the Group Treasury Manager role. With a commitment to employee wellbeing through generous benefits like hybrid working, private medical insurance, and extensive training opportunities, GUS empowers its staff to thrive in a dynamic international environment while contributing to meaningful educational outcomes. Join us in shaping the future of education and enjoy a rewarding career with a supportive team dedicated to your success.

Global University Systems

Contact Details:

Global University Systems Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People Services Project Manager in London

✨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 Global University Systems!

✨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 Global University Systems.

We think you need these skills to ace People Services Project Manager in London

Project Management
UK Payroll Management
Change Management
Automation Implementation
Stakeholder Engagement
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
HR Information Systems (HRIS)

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 Global University Systems. 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 Global University Systems 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 Global University Systems. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Global University Systems'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 Global University Systems

✨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 Global University Systems.

✨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 Global University Systems 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 Global University Systems and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.