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 leadership experience and strong knowledge of UK employment legislation.
- 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 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of HR Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show them you're genuinely interested in shaping their HR operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven digital transformation in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring that experience to their organisation.
✨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 take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources Operations in 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 optimised HR systems in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of HR Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that demonstrate your collaborative, values-led approach and how you've built high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced senior leaders and shaped people strategies.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Highlight your experience with HR analytics and how you’ve used data to drive operational excellence. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where your insights have led to improved employee experiences or compliance outcomes.
✨Champion Diversity and Inclusion
This role requires a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prepare to share your experiences in promoting these values within HR operations and how you’ve engaged employees through initiatives like engagement surveys.
