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- Tasks: Lead HR Operations, ensuring effective delivery of services and improving people outcomes.
- Company: Sweco transforms society by planning sustainable communities and addressing urbanisation challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, hybrid options, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team influencing HR practices and making a real societal impact.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong digital mindset, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: We promote equality and inclusivity, welcoming diverse applicants.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Do you have what it takes to transform society?
At Sweco our people are our greatest asset. We have the expertise, motivation and responsibility to solve the challenges of today as well as tomorrow. We\’re currently looking for a Head of HR Operations to join our team of Difference Makers working in partnership to support our UK business.
This role can be worked flexibly, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office and the option of adjusted start and finish times. Ideally you will be based in our Leeds office but we will consider other Sweco UK offices for the right candidate.
What does the role involve?
As our Head of HR Operations you\’ll act as a trusted, strategic advisor to the HR Director and wider management team. You will be responsible for leading the HR Operations Team to ensure efficient and effective delivery of HR Operational Services to improve people outcomes, client delivery and Sweco UK&I success.
The role involves working in partnership with the HR Team and managers to deliver HR systems, administration, policies and procedures, broker/supplier renewals, HR governance activity and payroll across Sweco UK and Ireland.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast paced environment where you\’ll gain exposure across the business and influence people initiatives within the HR Management Team ensuring we are focusing on the future. You will lead on evolving Sweco’s HR practices and policies, driving digitilisation of our systems and embracing the changing world of HR.
To be successful in this role you’ll possess:
- A proven track record in generalist HR with a strong working knowledge of people related best practice processes.
- A strong focus on continuous improvement with a digital mindset and the drive to implement change.
- The ability to understand business and commercial issues to ensure HR strategy and activities are aligned to business needs and influence strategic decision making.
- Excellent emotional intelligence, communication and relationship management skills.
- The ability to demonstrate visible leadership aligned to the aspirational culture and behaviours.
- Experience of managing, operating and influencing at a senior level.
- MCPID qualified or equivalent experience.
- Experience in managing an in-house payroll team would be highly advantageous.
If you believe you have the skill set required, are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s transform society together at Sweco!
About Us
Transforming society together, we\’re planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future.
Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable.
We offer our clients a combination of global expertise and local presence, adapted to their business and reality. Our ambition is to be our clients’ most relevant partner, working together to help them solve their challenges, today and into the future.
Sweco is committed to enabling all its colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible start and finish times, part time and hybrid working options so that you can flex your hours around your day to day needs.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
It’s important to us that that all our colleagues thrive at work – we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.
Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity.
We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. To find out more The Armed Forces Covenant – Our Commitments | Sweco UK.
We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
If I have a disability, can I get help (e.g. “reasonable adjustments”) with the application process?
If you’re an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, please contact GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk for assistance.
In order to address your request the following information is needed:
• Name
• The best method for contacting you (Phone or email)
• The position title
• Requisition/vacancy number
Upon receipt of this information, we’ll respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.
Please note: we reserve the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date.
Sweco UK&I have an internal resourcing team who are responsible for all recruiting activity. We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted agencies who we work with on those “hard to fill” roles.
We have defined processes for recruitment applications and it is company policy not to accept speculative CVs. Any speculative CVs received into the business (whether to a manager or member of the resourcing team) will become the property of Sweco and the agency will not be eligible for an introductory fee.
Our Preferred Supplier List was reviewed in November 2024 and we are not looking to add any additional agencies. We’ll be reviewing the PSL again at the end of 2025 and non-compliance with the above statements could be detrimental to you having the opportunity to be included.
Our Talent Community for experienced professionals is a great way to keep up to date with our latest news, insights, future vacancies, as well as gaining access to exclusive events hosted by our experts.
To learn more Join Our Talent Community – Sweco United Kingdom
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Head of HR Operations employer: Sweco UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sweco UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former employees of Sweco to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of HR Operations role. This can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your understanding of their values during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in HR technology and digitalisation, as this is a key focus for the role. Being able to discuss recent advancements or case studies in HR tech can set you apart in conversations with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership style and how it aligns with Sweco's aspirational culture. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams through change or improved HR processes, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Sweco's projects and initiatives related to sustainability and community transformation. Being able to connect your HR strategies to their broader mission will demonstrate your commitment to their goals and vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in HR operations and showcases your ability to lead teams. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to HR best practices.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for transforming society through effective HR practices. Mention how your background aligns with Sweco's mission and values, and provide examples of how you've successfully implemented change in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as MCPID or equivalent experience, and any relevant certifications. This will help the hiring team quickly see that you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your leadership capabilities by providing examples of how you've influenced senior management decisions and led teams to achieve HR objectives. Highlight your emotional intelligence and relationship management skills, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sweco UK Ltd
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Sweco's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion will help you align your responses with their ethos, showcasing that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
As a candidate for the Head of HR Operations, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in HR best practices. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented HR strategies or improved processes, particularly those that align with digitalisation.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the role's focus on strategic advising, be ready to discuss how you would align HR initiatives with business goals. Think about specific scenarios where you've influenced decision-making at a senior level and be prepared to share these insights during the interview.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
The ability to manage relationships and communicate effectively is key for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've used emotional intelligence in your previous roles to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.