Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR Operations, optimise systems, and enhance employee experience across a large organisation.
- Company: Purpose-led national organisation delivering essential services across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20% bonus, hybrid working, and flexible arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape HR strategy and make a real impact on over 1,000 colleagues nationwide.
- Qualifications: Senior HR Operations experience, strong payroll oversight, and HR systems expertise required.
- Other info: Join a high-trust culture with opportunities for legacy-building in HR Operations.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 76000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a large, purpose-led national organisation delivering essential services and facilities across the UK to recruit a Head of HR Operations. This senior leadership role offers real influence, shaping how HR services, systems, and data support over 1,000 colleagues nationwide.
If you’re an HR Operations leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, driving digital transformation, and delivering a first-class employee experience at scale, this is a rare and exciting opportunity.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you’ll lead a centralised, Workday-enabled HR Operations function across payroll, benefits, HR systems, data, compliance, and transactional services. You’ll manage three senior leaders and their teams, ensuring HR Ops is efficient, compliant, customer-focused, and future-ready. You’ll also sit on the HR and wider Senior Leadership Team, helping shape the organisation’s people strategy through insight, governance, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing HR Operations leadership team
- Own payroll, benefits, and outsourced provider relationships
- Drive HR systems optimisation, automation, and digital transformation
- Ensure accurate, high-quality people data and analytics for senior leaders and the Board
- Oversee HR policies, governance, and employment law compliance
- Embed a strong service ethos and continuous improvement mindset
- Champion diversity, equity & inclusion across HR operations
- Lead employee engagement surveys and Investors in People activity
About You
You’ll bring:
- Senior HR Operations leadership experience in complex, multi-site organisations
- Strong payroll and benefits oversight (including outsourced models)
- HR systems and data expertise (Workday preferred)
- Deep knowledge of UK employment legislation
- Commercial, analytical, and delivery-focused mindset
- Credibility to influence at senior leadership level
- Collaborative, values-led, and inclusive leadership style
- CIPD qualification preferred. Experience in sectors such as facilities management, infrastructure, logistics, or large service businesses is advantageous.
Location & Working Pattern
Contractually based in London. Hybrid working – expectation of 3 days onsite. Leading a largely remote HR Ops team. Occasional UK travel to operational sites. Role is full-time but flexible 4-day week arrangements can be considered.
Why Join?
- Stable, purpose-led organisation with long-term partnerships
- Large-scale, complex people operation with real impact
- Modern HR tech stack with genuine influence
- High-trust, high-standards culture
- Opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in HR Operations
If you’ve led HR Operations at scale and are ready for a role with real strategic and operational impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Human Resources Operations in City of London employer: Middlemore
Contact Detail:
Middlemore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources Operations in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around employee engagement and diversity initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you've driven digital transformation in previous roles. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources Operations in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of HR Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in HR operations, and don’t forget to mention any work with payroll and benefits.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about HR operations and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to connect your past experiences with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive digital transformation and improve employee experiences. Numbers and metrics can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our purpose-led organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Middlemore
✨Know Your HR Operations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of HR operations, especially around payroll, benefits, and compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of Workday and be ready to discuss how you've driven digital transformation in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of HR Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative and inclusive approach. Think about times when you’ve built high-performing teams or influenced senior leaders with your insights.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data to drive decisions in HR. Bring examples of how you’ve ensured accurate people data and analytics have supported strategic goals. This will show your commercial and analytical mindset.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your commitment to continuous improvement and how you’ve embedded a service ethos in your teams. Share specific initiatives you’ve led that improved employee experience or operational efficiency, as this aligns perfectly with the role’s expectations.
