HR Operations Specialist

We are currently representing a leading global Financial Services firm in the appointment of high-calibre professionals as part of a period of strategic growth and investment. Our client operates at the intersection of corporate, fiduciary and regulatory services, partnering with private equity houses, investment managers and international financial institutions. Backed by long-term institutional investment and an established global brand, the firm is scaling its capabilities, technology and international footprint. This is an opportunity to join a business that combines the agility of a growth platform with the credibility, client base and governance of a market leader.

The Role

As an HR Operations Specialist, you will play a key role in delivering efficient, compliant, and employee-focused HR operations across the business. Working closely with employees, managers, external providers and the wider People team, you will support the full employee lifecycle, maintain accurate HR data, and help drive process improvements that enhance the employee experience and operational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day HR operational support across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, role changes and offboarding.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure data integrity across HR systems and people databases.
• Act as a first point of contact for employee and manager HR queries, delivering a professional and service-focused experience.
• Prepare HR documentation, including contracts, offer letters, employment changes and other employee correspondence.
• Support payroll processes through the accurate preparation, validation and submission of employee data.
• Administer employee benefits programmes and liaise with external providers when required.
• Produce regular HR reporting and people metrics, ensuring data accuracy and providing meaningful insights.
• Support annual HR processes, including performance reviews, salary reviews, regulatory training and employee engagement initiatives.
• Ensure HR processes and documentation comply with internal policies, employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Support audits, compliance activities and data governance requirements across the People function.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, enhance employee experience and increase operational efficiency through system and process improvements.
• Collaborate with HR colleagues and business stakeholders to support wider people initiatives and projects.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Previous experience within an HR Operations, HR Administration or People Operations role.
• Strong understanding of HR processes across the employee lifecycle.
• Experience maintaining HR systems and employee records, with a focus on data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Experience supporting payroll and employee benefits administration is advantageous.
• Confident producing reports and analysing HR data using Excel and HR systems.
• Experience using HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, HiBob or similar systems.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a wider team environment.
• Experience working within Financial Services, professional services or another regulated environment is advantageous.
• CIPD qualification, or studying towards one, is desirable.

About Instant Impact

Instant Impact helps organisations turn talent into a competitive advantage. We do this through two core solutions: Impact Talent: our embedded recruitment solution that blends expert in-house teams with a modular, AI-powered tech stack to build high-performing TA functions and deliver consistent hiring outcomes. Impact X: our Executive Search solution, designed to connect organisations with exceptional senior leaders who drive transformation and growth.

How We Work:

• Growth Mindset: We believe in continuous improvement, for ourselves, our teams, and our clients. Every challenge is a chance to learn, innovate, and raise the bar.
• Accountability: We own our commitments. From hitting SLAs to developing our people, we do what we say we'll do and we measure what matters.
• Pace & Collaboration: Speed wins, but not at the expense of quality. We work closely together across teams, with clients, and with candidates to move faster and smarter.