People Operations Specialist

People Operations Specialist

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape technology to enhance our People team and improve HR processes.
  • Company: Join Phorest, a fast-growing tech company powering salons worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, wellness days, competitive pay, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent growth opportunities and remote work flexibility.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving automation and innovation in People Operations.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in People Ops with strong HRIS experience and a passion for tech.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

About Phorest

Phorest powers 11,000 hair and beauty salons using our software across the globe. Our aim is to capture 25% of the market globally – that’s one million salons and a billion‑dollar company. We are growing and would like to add a new member to our team. You will join a group of highly motivated individuals to help us grow Phorest faster.

The Opportunity

We’re hiring a People Operations Specialist who will be primarily responsible for:

  • Shaping how technology (people systems, automation, and AI) can enable our People team in partnership with the Head of People Operations
  • Owning and running the People team tech stack (including HiBob)
  • Designing and enhancing people processes
  • Managing our Compensation structures
  • Managing our global Benefits offering and providers
  • Helping to deepen analytics‑enabled People Partnering

This is an individual contributor role and is at the centre of building a technology‑enabled, data‑informed function that supports the business in a practical, meaningful way. It will include scoping challenges, vendor research, selection, and potentially implementation, as well as learning to build AI solutions using tools already available to us. You’ll own the management of our people tech stack, which currently includes HiBob but is about to expand with an additional focus on how AI can enable the People Team. You will lead People Operations improvements across the employee lifecycle, and drive automation and self‑service with end users across the organisation. This is a hands‑on role with real ownership for someone who loves building, technology, thinks in systems, is excited about solving problems, and working with a fantastic, forward‑thinking People Team. You’ll improve how things work today while building strong foundations for scale, and help us move from more manual operations to a more scalable way of working.

What You’ll Do

  • HR systems & automation
    • Own our HRIS (HiBob) end‑to‑end and lead ongoing improvements, integrations, and data quality
    • Lead HR systems implementation, optimisation, and audits with support from the Head of People Operations
    • Drive automation across People processes and explore how AI and tools can improve efficiency and employee experience
  • People processes
    • Design and improve scalable, globally relevant People processes
    • Reduce friction and manual work, while keeping things simple and easy to use
  • Data, reporting & insights
    • Own People data integrity and governance
    • Build and maintain clear, useful reporting and dashboards for leadership (or build a tool to do this!)
  • Compensation & benefits
    • Support and improve compensation cycles and structures
    • Own global benefits management, including providers and renewals
  • Operational excellence
    • Reduce reliance on manual work and ad‑hoc requests
    • Improve how employee and manager queries are handled, with a focus on self‑service and access to information

Who You Are

  • 5+ years of experience in People Ops, HR Ops, HR Systems, or a similar role
  • Strong experience owning and improving an HRIS (HiBob or similar), with a solid understanding of configuration
  • Experience building scalable People processes in a growing, multi‑region environment
  • Comfortable working with People data, reporting, and metrics
  • Experience supporting compensation and benefits operations
  • Think in systems and naturally look for ways to simplify and improve how things work
  • Curious about AI and new technologies, and proactive in testing, learning, and applying them
  • Proactive, positive, and solution‑focused, with a strong sense of ownership
  • Enjoy working in a collaborative team and are comfortable working independently when needed
  • Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to bring clarity to ambiguity and think creatively
  • Able to balance attention to detail with the bigger picture
  • Build a strong understanding of the business and ensure People Ops is aligned, relevant, and adding value

Benefits

  • Your wellbeing is important to us - we provide private healthcare, 2 Wellness Days, an employee assistance program and a free online GP service.
  • As part of our Financial Wellbeing, we provide competitive Compensation, an Employee Share Purchase Scheme, Pension, and Life Assurance.
  • We help you travel by providing a bike to work scheme as well as tax saver transport tickets.
  • We support the women who work in Phorest by offering 2 weeks leave for Fertility Treatment, Pregnancy Loss and Menopause.
  • We care for your family and provide Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Benefits.
  • We grow our own timber! We provide a great learning environment and extensive development opportunities. We run development programs and provide access to many online resources including LinkedIn learning.
  • Moving house? Phorest employees get 3 moving days.

Phorest is an equal opportunity employer. For this position, flexi‑time and working from home is possible. We are also open to remote work. Get in touch to ask for more information or to chat about your future with Phorest!

People Operations Specialist employer: Phorest Software

Phorest is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Remote Engineering Manager role. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to impactful projects in the beauty industry. The flexibility of remote work combined with a commitment to platform reliability and customer experience makes Phorest a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.

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Contact Details:

Phorest Software Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People Operations Specialist

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 Phorest Software!

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 Phorest Software.

We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Specialist

HRIS Management (HiBob or similar)
People Processes Design
Automation Implementation
Data Integrity and Governance
Reporting and Dashboard Creation
Compensation and Benefits Management
Vendor Research and Selection

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 Phorest Software. 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 Phorest Software 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 Phorest Software. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Phorest Software'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 Phorest Software

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 Phorest Software.

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 Phorest Software 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 Phorest Software and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.