At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, improve processes, and enhance employee experience at a dynamic university.
- Company: A forward-thinking university in the West Midlands with a focus on growth and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on HR operations and contribute to a thriving educational environment.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience, strong knowledge of compliance, and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
A West Midlands based University is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of HR Operations to lead and develop its operational HR function during a period of organisational growth and transformation.
Reporting into the Director of HR, this role will lead core HR operational activity across recruitment, onboarding, HR administration, compliance, systems and employee lifecycle processes. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving service improvement, operational consistency and an excellent employee experience across the University.
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior HR operations professional who enjoys improving processes, leading teams through change and working within a complex stakeholder environment.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the delivery of HR operational services across the full employee lifecycle
- Oversee recruitment administration, onboarding, contract management and HR compliance activity
- Drive continuous improvement across HR processes, systems and workflows
- Work collaboratively with HR colleagues across partnering, organisational development, payroll, systems and reward
- Lead operational improvement projects and support wider HR transformation initiatives
- Develop and implement operational KPIs, metrics and reporting dashboards
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, Right to Work requirements and internal governance procedures
- Support the ongoing development and optimisation of HR systems and self-service functionality
- Lead and develop HR operational teams, creating a high-performing and customer-focused culture
- Work closely with senior stakeholders across academic and professional service areas
- Contribute to the delivery of the University’s wider People Strategy
- Significant experience within a senior HR Operations leadership role
- Experience working within Higher Education, public sector or another complex regulated environment
- Strong knowledge of HR operational processes and employee lifecycle management
- Experience leading operational change, process improvement and HR transformation initiatives
- Strong understanding of HR compliance, governance and employment legislation
- Experience using HR data, metrics and reporting to support decision making
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Experience leading and developing operational HR teams
- A collaborative and pragmatic leadership style
- Strong HR systems and process improvement capability
- Higher Education sector experience
- Experience supporting organisational change programmes
- Exposure to HR systems implementation or optimisation projects
- Understanding of immigration and Right to Work compliance
Head of Operations in Birmingham employer: Spirehouse
As a leading university in the West Midlands, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions employee growth and development. Our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence ensures that our staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact within the HR function, while enjoying competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Join us in shaping the future of education and experience the unique advantages of working in a vibrant academic community dedicated to innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their HR transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improved HR processes. We want to see your impact!
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of HR Operations role. Highlight your experience in HR operations, especially in recruitment and compliance, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational improvements and led teams through change. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like improved processes or successful projects. We appreciate numbers that tell a story of success!
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. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to take the next step in your career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirehouse
✨Know Your HR Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HR operational processes and the employee lifecycle. Be ready to discuss how you've led improvements in these areas before, as this role is all about driving service improvement and operational consistency.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and improved processes. This university is looking for someone who can navigate a complex stakeholder environment, so highlight your experience in managing relationships and leading operational change.
✨Get Familiar with Compliance and Governance
Since compliance is key in this role, make sure you understand employment legislation and Right to Work requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach it in this position.
✨Bring Data to the Table
The ability to use HR data and metrics to support decision-making is crucial. Think of specific instances where you've used data to drive improvements or report on KPIs. This will show that you're not just a people person but also someone who can leverage data effectively.
