At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR systems, data management, and operational excellence to enhance people performance.
- Company: High-growth engineering business focused on sustainable systems and process evolution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75,000, performance bonus, and a suite of benefits.
- Other info: Generous hybrid working model and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Transform HR processes and make a real impact on people data and analytics.
- Qualifications: Proven HR systems experience, strong data analytics skills, and stakeholder management expertise.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking a HR Systems, Data & Operations Manager for our customer who is investing in sustainable systems and process evolution for their business and people performance.
Our customer is a high growth engineering business with plans to grow and evolve over the next years.
This is a newly created role reporting to the HR Director, with responsibility for leading HR systems, people data and operational excellence across the organisation. Sitting at the heart of the People function, you will ensure that HR systems are fit for purpose, data is accurate and insightful, and core people processes are delivered efficiently, consistently and compliantly.
Whilst the role has a broad HR operations remit, its primary focus is on HR systems, data and analytics. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in transforming how people data is captured, analysed and leveraged to support strategic decision-making, while driving system optimisation and future HR technology initiatives.
Key Responsibilities- HR Systems & Data: Act as the owner and subject matter expert for the HRIS, driving ongoing optimisation, enhancements and upgrades. Ensure the integrity, accuracy and governance of people data, maintaining full GDPR compliance. Develop and deliver meaningful people analytics, dashboards and management reporting. Enable the business to make more informed, data-driven decisions through improved reporting and insight. Lead the future HR systems roadmap, including system reviews, selection and implementation projects.
- HR Operations: Oversee and continuously improve end-to-end employee lifecycle processes, from onboarding through to offboarding. Drive consistency, efficiency and best practice across HR operations. Maintain and develop HR policies, procedures and documentation to support compliance and operational effectiveness.
- Payroll & Benefits: Manage relationships with outsourced payroll providers, ensuring a high level of accuracy, compliance and service delivery. Partner closely with Finance on payroll reconciliation, reporting and controls. Oversee benefits administration, including pensions, healthcare and other employee benefit programmes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong partnerships across HR, Finance and the wider business to ensure alignment of systems, data and reporting requirements. Provide operational HR expertise and guidance to managers and key stakeholders. Support wider transformation programmes and strategic people initiatives.
This role is based in the Warrington area with a generous hybrid working relationship.
We are looking for a strong HR operations professional with a clear specialism in HR systems, data and analytics, combined with a genuine interest in building efficient, well-run HR processes.
You will bring:
- Proven experience owning and optimising HR systems (HRIS), acting as a true system owner rather than just a user.
- Strong capability in people data, reporting and analytics, with advanced Excel skills and the ability to translate data into meaningful insight.
- Experience ensuring data accuracy, governance and GDPR compliance, with a detail-oriented and methodical approach.
- Confidence working with outsourced payroll providers, with an understanding of payroll processes, controls and stakeholder management.
- A track record of improving systems, processes and ways of working within HR operations.
Alongside your systems and data expertise, you will also have a clear appreciation for high-quality HR operations and service delivery. This could come from direct ownership or a strong interest in shaping how HR processes are designed and delivered.
You are likely to:
- Take pride in creating structured, efficient and scalable HR processes.
- Have experience across the employee lifecycle (onboarding, contracts, offboarding, policy management).
- Enjoy bringing consistency, clarity and continuous improvement to HR operations.
- Be motivated by building a 'best in class' operational backbone that enables a broader people strategy.
You will be comfortable operating in an evolving environment where not everything is fully defined, bringing a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, with the ability to build credibility across HR, Finance and the wider business.
Experience within a multi-site or operational environment would be advantageous, as would familiarity with HR systems implementation or transformation projects.
This role pays up to £70,000 to 75,000 per annum (dependant on experience), inclusive of a performance related bonus and a suite of benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Systems, Data & Operations Manager in Warrington
✨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 Michael Page!
✨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 Michael Page.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Systems, Data & Operations Manager in Warrington
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 Michael Page. 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 Michael Page 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 Michael Page. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Michael Page'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 Michael Page
✨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 Michael Page.
✨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 Michael Page 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 Michael Page and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
