Interim People Services Manager

Interim People Services Manager

Temporary 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic HR team and oversee payroll operations in a busy education environment.
  • Company: Established organisation in the education sector with a focus on People Services.
  • Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and opportunity for professional growth.
  • Other info: Immediate start with potential for long-term engagement until January 2027.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while supporting a passionate team in education.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR/payroll within education and strong organisational skills required.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

Location: West London - easily accessible from Hammersmith

Day Rate: £300-£350 per day via Umbrella

Duration: Immediate start to January 2027

Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days per week on site

Contract: Interim

We are currently working with an established organisation within the education sector to recruit an experienced People Services Manager on an interim basis. This is an opportunity for an experienced HR/People Services professional to join a busy environment and take responsibility for the effective delivery of day-to-day People Services, with a particular focus on HR operations and payroll.

The Role

  • Managing and supporting a People Services/HR team
  • Overseeing day-to-day HR operations and processes
  • Supervising and overseeing payroll activity, working with an external payroll provider
  • Ensuring payroll is accurate, timely and well managed from an HR perspective
  • Supporting and developing team members, including training where required
  • Setting clear priorities, expectations and standards across the team
  • Identifying opportunities to improve processes and ways of working
  • Providing a proactive and responsive People Services function to the wider organisation
  • Working effectively in a busy and fast-paced environment

About You

  • Previous HR/payroll experience within education or an education charity - essential
  • Good understanding of educational payroll
  • Experience working with or overseeing a managed payroll service
  • Experience overseeing payroll for approximately 300-500+ employees
  • Strong understanding of payroll from an HR/People Services perspective
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
  • A proactive approach and strong attention to detail
  • Experience of improving processes and ways of working
  • iTrent experience would be desirable but is not essential.

You do not need to be a payroll specialist or have managed an in-house payroll function. The key requirement is a strong understanding of payroll from the HR side, together with experience of overseeing the process and managing a People Services team. We would also be interested in candidates who have started their career in payroll within education before progressing into HR and People management, as this background could be particularly relevant.

If you have the relevant education HR/payroll and people management experience and are available for an interim assignment, we would be keen to hear from you.

Interim People Services Manager employer: Macmillan Davies

Join a dynamic and supportive team in West London, where your contributions as a Talent Acquisition Specialist will be valued in our fast-paced, high-growth environment. We offer flexible working arrangements, a collaborative work culture, and ample opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you can thrive while making a meaningful impact on our recruitment processes.

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Contact Details:

Macmillan Davies Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim People Services Manager

Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies

Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.

Network at HR Events and Workshops

Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!

Showcase Your Flexibility

In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Macmillan Davies and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim People Services Manager

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!

Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!

Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!

Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Macmillan Davies. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Macmillan Davies

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at Macmillan Davies, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.

Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools

Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Macmillan Davies uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.

Your Motivation Matters

As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Macmillan Davies.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Macmillan Davies.