At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve the People Operations function, ensuring efficient HR services and processes.
- Company: Join RSM, a global leader in audit, tax, and consulting, with big ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping a modern people function and drive operational transformation.
- Qualifications: Senior HR operations leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As one of the world's largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle‑market businesses thrive. We are a fast‑growing firm with big ambitions -- we have a clear goal to become the premium adviser to the middle market, globally. This vision touches everything we do, motivating and inspiring us to become better every day. If you are looking for a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, then RSM is the place for you.
About the role
The People Operations Director is responsible for leading the operational delivery and continuous improvement of the firm’s People function. The role ensures that people services, systems, governance and operational processes are efficient, scalable, commercially focused and aligned to the needs of a modern professional services business. The role will lead HR operations, employee relations and policy, reward and people systems/data. A key focus will be driving operational transformation through simplification, automation, technology enablement, and the development of scalable service delivery models including shared services. This is a critical leadership role within the People leadership team, balancing strategic transformation with operational excellence and risk management.
Key Responsibilities
- People Operations Leadership
- Lead and continuously improve the firm’s People Operations function across the full employee lifecycle.
- Deliver a high‑quality, consistent and efficient service to employees, managers and partners.
- Establish clear operational governance, service standards and performance metrics.
- Ensure operational processes are compliant, well‑controlled and fit for scale and growth.
- Lead and develop a high‑performing operational People team.
- Build capability in service excellence, process improvement and data‑led decision making.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable and customer‑focused culture.
- HR Operations & Shared Services
- Oversee all HR operational activity including onboarding, offboarding and lifecycle management, ensuring legislative and regulatory compliance throughout.
- Lead Talent acquisition and development operations processes and administration.
- Design and implement a scalable and commercial operating model for transactional people activity.
- Simplify and standardise processes across the function.
- Employee Relations & Policy
- Lead the firm’s employee relations, policy and HR compliance framework, ensuring alignment with UK employment law and business needs.
- Ensure consistent and commercially sound management of ER matters.
- Monitor ER trends and develop proactive interventions to reduce risk and improve manager capability.
- Reward
- Partner with senior stakeholders to develop a reward strategy, governance and reporting requirements.
- Oversee operational delivery of key reward processes including salary and bonus cycles.
- Ensure effectiveness and integrity of reward‑related processes and controls.
- People Systems, MI & Vendor Management
- Lead the firm’s people systems, people data and management information capability.
- Drive systems optimisation and improved data quality and insight.
- Manage third‑party vendors supporting operational delivery and systems capability.
- Identify opportunities to rationalise technology and improve efficiency.
What we’re looking for
Key Skills and Experience
- Significant senior HR operations leadership experience within a professional services or similarly complex environment.
- Experience leading operational transformation, process optimisation and service delivery improvement programmes.
- Strong experience across HR operations, people systems, ER/policy and operational governance.
- Experience implementing HR technology, workflow automation or shared service models.
- Strong understanding of operational risk and governance requirements.
- Strategic and commercial thinking with strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Data and insight‑led decision making.
- Programme and change leadership.
- Strong people leadership capability.
- Ability to balance strategic improvement with operational delivery.
Diversity and Inclusion at RSM
At RSM, we want to create a strong sense of belonging so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and cultures feel they can bring their true self to work. Our clients come from all walks of life. We aim to achieve that same diversity of background, experience and perspective in our own teams, so that we can genuinely understand our client's needs. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and insights to work. That's why we're working together to ensure our firm's principles and processes support a firm culture that embraces difference and strengthens inclusion.
People Operations Director in Glasgow employer: RSM
RSM is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for the People Operations Director to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth and development, RSM offers robust opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Located in a dynamic professional services landscape, employees benefit from a forward-thinking approach that embraces technology and operational excellence, ensuring a rewarding and impactful career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Operations Director in Glasgow
✨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 RSM!
✨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 RSM.
We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Director in Glasgow
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 RSM. 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 RSM 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 RSM. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to RSM'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 RSM
✨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 RSM.
✨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 RSM 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 RSM and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
