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- Tasks: Lead recruitment and training for a magical Christmas event in Manchester.
- Company: Join LaplandUK, where we create enchanting experiences celebrating the magic of childhood.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, transport, unlimited drinks, and staff discounts while working.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team bringing joy to thousands during the festive season.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or People Operations, especially in events or attractions, is essential.
- Other info: Contract runs from July 2025 to January 2026, with key dates for rehearsals and shows.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Company Overview:
We are most famous for our award-winning event, buried deep in the Crown Estate near Ascot. 18 years ago, Mike & Alison Battle created the event out of their own desire to take their children somewhere that would celebrate the pure, commercially unsullied, magic of Christmas. Now, with the help of Hollywood set-designers, West-End actors and more than a sprinkling of magic, the event is keeping the magic of Christmas alive for thousands of children every year. LaplandUK celebrates and honours the values, imagination, and wonderment of childhood through our magical world, rich storytelling and immersive memory making experiences. This is an exciting period of growth for us, as we look for new ways to bring the Lapland experience to a global audience through media, publishing, live shows, and eCommerce channels.
Role Summary:
The People Operations Manager (Manchester) is responsible for the seasonal workforce for the Manchester live show, covering all departments and leading the pre-event work on recruitment & training, moving into on-site management & delivery. Managing a team of departmental schedulers & administrators, as well as working closely with operational managers once live.
Driving the recruitment strategy for the event season, working closely with the resourcing team, and ensuring a seamless recruitment process and hitting target numbers on a weekly basis. Organising assessment centres / audition sessions, collaborating with the resourcing team and show operations team to achieve targets and KPIs.
- TALENT ACQUISITION & RECRUITMENT
Manage the end-to-end recruitment process for the seasonal workforce, from processing candidates to conducting interviews and making offers. Sift & schedule interviews for key management positions in conjunction with Heads of departments. Collaborate with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and ensure timely fulfilment of positions.
- EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & RETENTION:
Design and implement programs to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. Conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions to gauge employee morale and identify areas for improvement. Develop and implement retention strategies to minimise turnover and foster a culture of loyalty and commitment.
- PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT:
Implement performance management systems and processes to evaluate employee performance and drive continuous improvement. Provide coaching and support to managers on performance-related issues, including goal setting, feedback, and performance reviews. Identify opportunities for professional development and training to help employees reach their full potential.
- HR POLICIES & COMPLIANCE:
Maintain HR policies and procedures in compliance with legal requirements and industry best practices. Ensure adherence to labour laws and regulations, including but not limited to employment contracts, wage and hour laws, and workplace safety standards. Serve as a resource for employees on HR-related matters and provide guidance on policy interpretation and compliance.
- DURING THE LIVE SHOW PERIOD:
Address queries, escalating as needed to the Head of People Operations. Ensure HR policies are applied and supervise the event HR team for compliance. Act as the first point of escalation for HR or other departmental managers, working with HR Advisors where extra support or guidance is needed.
- REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
General understanding of common HR rules & requirements relating to temporary workers. Previous experience working in a People Operations or Workforce role within events, theatre or visitor attraction environment. Comfortable with being first point of contact for employees in person and online, often handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficient in Windows & Microsoft applications, as well as comfortable using various staffing & scheduling systems. Experience in payroll, scheduling, and management of teams. Experience in drafting and reporting, analysing documents and managing suppliers/contractors. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
MANCHESTER KEY DATES
- Rehearsals & Departmental Training: 23rd October – 6th November
- Dress Rehearsal: 7th & 8th November 2025
- Preview: 9th November 2025
- Opening Day of show: 13th November 2025
- Closing Day of show: 24th December 2025
Start of Contract: 7th July 2025
End of Contract: 9th January 2026
Rate of Pay: £200 Per day Depending on location: £50 subsidy per working day or accommodation provided
- BENEFITS
Free hot meal per shift. Free transport from the local train station. Unlimited tea & coffee. 20% Staff discount on selected dates.
People Operations Manager (Manchester) employer: LaplandUK
Contact Detail:
LaplandUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Operations Manager (Manchester)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the unique aspects of LaplandUK and its mission. Understanding their values around childhood wonder and storytelling will help you connect with the team during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the events and theatre industry, especially those who have experience in People Operations. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing seasonal workforces and how you've successfully driven recruitment strategies in fast-paced environments. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of HR compliance and employee engagement strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these in a live show setting, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the challenges of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Manager (Manchester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in People Operations or Workforce roles, especially within events or visitor attractions. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of managing recruitment and employee engagement, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the magic of Christmas at LaplandUK.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as your proficiency in Microsoft applications and staffing systems. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved employee satisfaction in previous roles.
Showcase Adaptability: Given the fast-paced nature of the role, include examples that demonstrate your ability to thrive in dynamic environments. Discuss any experiences where you successfully adapted to changing priorities or handled multiple tasks simultaneously.
How to prepare for a job interview at LaplandUK
✨Know the Company and Its Values
Before your interview, take some time to research the company’s history and values. Understanding their mission to celebrate childhood magic will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
As a People Operations Manager, you'll be dealing with various teams and individuals. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or improved employee engagement in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a high turnover rate or addressing employee concerns during a live event. Think through your past experiences and how they relate to these scenarios.
✨Show Your Adaptability
The role requires thriving in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to discuss times when you've had to adapt quickly to changing priorities or unexpected challenges, showcasing your flexibility and problem-solving skills.
