Senior HR Systems Manager in Walsall

Are you a forward-thinking HR systems expert with a passion for governance, continuous improvement, and driving meaningful change? We are looking for a confident and proactive Senior HR Systems Manager to take ownership of our HR technology landscape, ensuring it is efficient, compliant, and future-ready. In this pivotal role, you will bring proven expertise in Zellis, alongside a strong track record of system optimisation and governance leadership. You will thrive on asking the right questions, constructively challenging existing processes, and pushing for smarter, more innovative ways of working. With a natural curiosity and problem-solving mindset, you will investigate issues in depth, identify root causes, and deliver effective, long-term solutions. If you are someone who combines technical expertise with the confidence to influence, push back when needed, and shape the direction of our HR systems roadmap, we would love to hear from you!

We work in a hybrid way, with a requirement to travel into our Walsall office 2-3 times a week to work with the team. Reporting into the Head of HR Shared Services, you will be responsible for the People System roadmap within HML. This includes the development and configuration of the HR system, continually reviewing and developing the HR systems and infrastructure, policy controls and processes to ensure that efficiencies and opportunities are identified, delivered and data integrity is maintained. The role will also be the control owner for all SOX requirements related to the HRIS.

Principal Accountabilities

• Managing day-to-day HRIS operations, including security, configuration, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
• Accountable for identifying and implementing system enhancements and configuration ensuring service delivery to the business is efficient, consistent, and of high quality.
• Accountable for the implementation of regular system releases from a business perspective and work with the Technology team release management process.
• To complete impact assessments on all release notes and ensuring minimal disruption to the business and maximum effectiveness of the system.
• Lead on key People process re-engineering work to maximise use of the relevant HR systems, API across other internal systems and automation to minimise manual administration processes.
• Manage the relationship with internal and external auditors to ensure controls are fit for purpose.
• Be accountable for maintaining confidentiality of data contained in the system and its security.
• Own the SOX controls and execution and timely delivery of associated evidence, accountable for ensuring that all policies and processes and standards applicable to your area are documented, understood and adhered to.
• Ensure all HR systems users are fully trained and maintain robust data whilst complying with SOPs and SOX requirements, and that these roles align to agreed responsibilities for the user group.
• Be accountable for the overall system design and feasibility of the system ensuring it is fit for purpose and in line with business needs.
• Actively build and maintain relationships with appropriate stakeholders to enhance and support the system functionality.
• Ensuring the completeness and accuracy of employee data contained within the HR systems via audits, liaison with business areas and other appropriate mechanisms.
• Participate in external User Groups to ensure that the organisation has access to external knowledge and best practice.
• Own the relationships with Technology and Change.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of specialists, ensuring limited key person dependency on all HR related systems and reporting.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Relevant degree or demonstrable in-depth knowledge of HR systems and system configuration.
• Experience of Zellis or equivalent HR system.
• Able to take a strategic view of the HR systems and to define a roadmap for future development.
• Strong project management skills with proven implementation experience.
• Able to identify business requirements and translate this to actions that ensure the HR systems meets business need.
• Experience of working with SOX controls and compliance with audit requirements.
• Analytical and experience of process re-engineering.
• Solid understanding of best practice data protection procedures.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Have a positive attitude and demonstrate innovation to drive efficiency.
• Proven generalist knowledge of HR and Payroll, T&C, Risk and Governance.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. Data Protection Act.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working in a similar role.
• Previous experience of working in an organisation where a new HR system has been implemented.
• Working knowledge of Resource Link HR/Payroll System.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment.