People Operations Manager

Northreach is a dynamic recruitment agency that connects businesses with top talent in the Advanced Therapies sector. Our mission is to provide a seamless and personalised recruitment experience for clients and candidates, and to create a positive work environment that encourages equality, innovation, and professional growth.

As a People Operations Manager/Partner, you will oversee the day-to-day HR operations, managing the full employee lifecycle in a dynamic and fast-paced organisation, ideally within the biotech or life sciences industry. You will focus on delivering operational HR processes, continuously improving the employee experience while ensuring the organisation's values remain at the centre of all HR activities. You should have a strong understanding of the biotech industry and its specific HR needs, including compliance and regulatory requirements, as well as the challenges of scaling HR in a rapidly growing, innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of core HR processes, including performance management, payroll, and benefits management.
• Partner with hiring managers and external agencies to execute resource plans for the organisation.
• Own and improve the onboarding experience for new employees, ensuring a smooth integration into the company.
• Coordinate the performance management cycle, providing support and guidance to both managers and employees, and facilitating performance calibrations.
• Collaborate with Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) teams to support basic health offerings and wellness initiatives, promoting positive behaviours.
• Advocate and embed organisational values and culture into all HR processes.
• Act as a trusted partner for both employees and management, managing employee relations cases and providing guidance on complex queries.
• Provide operational leadership, including handling HR system administration, monthly payroll processing, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead HR operational processes with a focus on efficiency and quality, providing support to senior HR leadership.
• Opportunity for career progression for those seeking to move into a more senior, strategic HR leadership role.

Qualifications and Skills:

• CIPD qualified (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in an HR role within the biotech, life sciences, or a similar innovative, fast-paced industry.
• Experience as a junior HR professional or second-in-charge in a biotech setting, with a desire to step into a more senior, operationally focused HR role.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, GDPR requirements, and the regulatory landscape within the biotech industry.
• Experience in managing/administering HR systems, handling monthly payroll processing, and implementing operational HR strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both employees and managers at all levels.
• A people-centric approach, with the ability to foster strong working relationships and build trust within the organisation.
• Ability to manage operational HR functions in a fast-moving, high-demand environment, ensuring smooth execution of HR processes.

Northreach is an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and hiring practices, therefore only partner with business that promote DEI. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.