People Operations Assistant (6-Month FTC)

People Operations Assistant (6-Month FTC)

Temporary 35000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR operations, manage onboarding, payroll, and compliance in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join Quantum Motion, a leading quantum computing scale-up with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, private medical insurance, and a central London location.
  • Other info: Opportunity for growth in a dynamic, innovative environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking team transforming the future of computing.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR or People Operations with a keen eye for detail.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.

About The Role and Team

Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London founded by internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University with over 40 years’ experience in developing qubits and quantum computing architectures. Bringing together state-of-the-art cryogenic facilities and an outstanding interdisciplinary team, we are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more.

Our Team

Since 2021 our team has been listed every year in the “Top 100 Startups worth watching” in the EE Times in 2021 and 2022, and our technology breakthroughs have been featured in The Telegraph, BBC and the New Statesman. Our founders are internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University who have pioneered the development of qubits and quantum computing architectures. Our chairman is the co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, the two leading companies in the area of Electronic Design Automation. We’re backed by a team of top-tier investors, and we have recently closed our Series C funding of $160 million.

We bring together the brightest quantum engineers, integrated circuit (IC) engineers, quantum computing theoreticians and software engineers to create a unique, world-leading team, working closely together to maximise our combined expertise. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is an ideal fit for anyone who thrives in a cutting-edge research and development environment focused on tackling big challenges and contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.

Our team of 100+ is based across London, Oxford, San Sebastián and Sydney, with our primary hub in Islington (London).

Functions of the Role

The People and Talent team is responsible for attracting, sourcing, retaining, and supporting world-class talent across Quantum Motion. Reporting to the Head of Talent and People, you will own the day-to-day lifecycle engine and operational delivery for our teams.

We are looking for an exceptional, process-driven People Operations Assistant to join us on an initial 6-month Fixed-Term Contract (with a view to extend). By taking ownership of our day-to-day administrative engine - from onboarding and contract updates to global immigration tracking and payroll inputs - you will keep our employee experience running smoothly whilst we embark on the journey to transform our HR experience and systems.

We are in a scale-up building phase, meaning many of our backend processes are still manual, spreadsheet-heavy, and being designed in real time. We need someone who thrives on data accuracy, and takes pride in keeping everything clean, structured, and audit-ready.

The role encompasses:

  • Onboarding & Lifecycle Excellence: Own the operational execution of the onboarding journey: drafting offer letters and employment contracts, coordinating background checks, setting up new joiners in Personio (HRIS System), and organising day-one logistics. Ensure every new starter experiences a warm, seamless, and high-touch welcome to Quantum Motion. Manage offboarding admin, ensuring leaver documentation and calculations (e.g., pro-rated holiday) are processed accurately.
  • Immigration & Global Mobility: Act as the internal coordinator for our Right to Work compliance and UK Sponsor Licence records. Partner with our external legal advisors to track visa application statuses, document collections, and expiry timelines.
  • Internal Mobility & Variations: Draft and issue contract variation letters for internal promotions, salary adjustments, and working pattern changes. Coordinate global mobility requests and internal transfers across our UK, US, Spanish, and Australian entities.
  • Payroll & Data Integrity: Act as the primary gatekeeper for monthly payroll inputs, collating data changes (new starters, leavers, bonuses, pension changes) with 100% accuracy.
  • Systems & Process Automation: Maintain our HRIS (Personio) as a single source of truth. Look for ways to transition our currently manual, spreadsheet-heavy processes into automated, self-service workflows.
  • Recruitment Support: Partner with our Talent team to support recruitment operations during high-volume hiring phases. Support candidate interview scheduling, when possible, across time zones and ensure a candidate-first experience.

Experience - Essentials

  • Proven experience in an HR or People Operations function (in-house) with a track record of executing high-volume administration within high-growth, technical, or scientific environments.
  • Obsessive attention to detail and a great pride in data integrity - errors in payroll inputs, compliance checks, or contract variations bother you.
  • You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where processes are evolving.
  • You don't mind manual administrative work and see it as an opportunity to build structure.
  • A continuous improvement mindset: you naturally spot inefficiencies, manual friction points, or data gaps and proactively propose cleaner ways to work while bringing others on the journey.
  • An ability to navigate ambiguity and help build out structures.
  • Proactive, resourceful, and data-driven approach to HR administration.

Experience - Desirable

  • Hands-on experience working in a scale-up environment.
  • Practical understanding of UK sponsor licence management, visa processing, and Right to Work audits.
  • Experience supporting rapid organisational scaling across international entities (e.g., UK, Spain, Australia, US).
  • CIPD qualification (Level 3) or equivalent practical, hands-on experience in a fast-paced scale-up environment.

Benefits

  • Be part of a creative, world-leading team.
  • Competitive salary and share options scheme.
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • Group private medical insurance scheme.
  • Life Assurance.
  • Cycle-to-work Scheme.
  • Central London location.

EEO Statement

Quantum Motion is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy and maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws (including the UK Equality Act 2010 and Spanish Employment Law).

People Operations Assistant (6-Month FTC) employer: Quantum Motion Technologies

Quantum Motion Technologies is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central London. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor apprentices while working alongside a talented team dedicated to cutting-edge quantum technology. The company fosters a collaborative culture that values innovation and provides unique advantages such as access to state-of-the-art facilities and international project exposure.

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Contact Details:

Quantum Motion Technologies Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People Operations Assistant (6-Month FTC)

Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies

Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.

Network at HR Events and Workshops

Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!

Showcase Your Flexibility

In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Quantum Motion Technologies and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!

We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Assistant (6-Month FTC)

HR Administration
Onboarding Processes
Data Integrity
Attention to Detail
Process Automation
Compliance Management
Payroll Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!

Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!

Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!

Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Quantum Motion Technologies. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Quantum Motion Technologies

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at Quantum Motion Technologies, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.

Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools

Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Quantum Motion Technologies uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.

Your Motivation Matters

As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Quantum Motion Technologies.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Quantum Motion Technologies.