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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team in HR operations, payroll, and recruitment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organization focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey driving organizational change and fostering inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Must be a Chartered Member of CIPD or equivalent, with deep HR expertise.
- Other info: Work closely with a supportive Director and senior leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you a resilient, forward-thinking, transformational Head of HR Operations looking for a new opportunity?
Do you thrive on leading a team, partnering with senior stakeholders and driving continuous service and operational improvement?
Have you got experience in delivering and meeting immediate organisational needs, as well as anticipating and driving future workforce strategies forward?
If this sounds like you, then please get in touch.
Reporting to the Director of HR and OD, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering HR operational strategy, improve service delivery and operational efficiency. You will lead a shared service team currently consisting of HR, Payroll and Recruitment professionals, with evolving plans to expand this. You will lead and inspire your team, collaborate with senior management and external partners and be responsible for the provision of a professional and collaborative HR function.
This is a really exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working on organisational change, as well as enabling HR functions to be as streamlined and operationally successful as possible. You will also be working with a fantastic Director and senior leadership team, who are down-to-earth and on board with the organisation’s journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Take a lead role in determining medium- to long-term service area priorities and budgets, scanning the horizon, maximising opportunities and ensuring integration with the wider organisation
- Lead, develop and inspire a team of HR professionals to deliver excellence in HR operations, business partnering, resourcing and payroll, fostering a culture of collaboration, high performance, continuous learning, and accountability.
- Partner with the organisation at a senior level, taking a professional and business-focused approach to developing solutions and enabling successful service delivery
- Act as the key point of contact with the recognised trade unions building positive and productive relationships, managing disputes and leading and implementing change in line with legislation.
- Act as a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion, developing and fostering an environment for your team and the wider organisation where everyone feels they belong
The Successful Candidate
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Professionally qualified with a higher-level management qualification, and Chartered Member of the CIPD or equivalent knowledge
- Educated to degree level or substantial equivalent experience
- Deep HR expertise at a senior level, including leadership and management of teams and projects, as well as HR best practice, trends and employment legislation
- Ability to communicate, challenge and influence across different levels, including acting as a critical friend to senior management and stakeholders, to consult on their operational needs, influence behaviour and persuade them to think and act differently.
- Ability to work in a political environment
- Experience of planning and organising work of medium/large teams, contributing to strategic change in service delivery
- Financial, budgetary or functional planning and management skills.
Please note a full job specification can be provided.
Next steps
If you believe you possess the right skills and experience to succeed in this role, then I want to talk with you. For further info and to receive a full JD and benefits package, please send your updated CV to
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of HR Operations & Delivery employer: Swindon Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Swindon Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR Operations & Delivery
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your leadership experience in HR operations. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams and driven operational improvements, as this role requires a strong focus on team development and service delivery.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your ability to partner with senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced decision-making at a high level and contributed to strategic change within an organization, as this is crucial for the Head of HR Operations role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with current trends in HR best practices and employment legislation. Being well-versed in these areas will not only help you in the interview but also show that you're proactive about staying informed and ready to implement changes.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This role emphasizes creating an inclusive environment, so be ready to share your experiences and strategies for fostering belonging within teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR Operations & Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in HR operations, team leadership, and strategic planning. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive operational improvement and manage teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for HR and your vision for transforming HR operations. Address how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, particularly in leading teams and partnering with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you have successfully led HR initiatives, managed budgets, or improved service delivery. Highlight any experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as this is a key aspect of the role.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your leadership style, experience with organizational change, and how you handle disputes with trade unions. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that align with the company's goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swindon Borough Council
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of HR Operations, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on fostering collaboration and high performance.
✨Understand the Business Needs
Be ready to discuss how you can align HR strategies with the organization's goals. Research the company’s current challenges and think about how your experience can help address their immediate and future workforce needs.
✨Highlight Your Change Management Experience
Since this role involves driving organizational change, prepare to share specific instances where you've led successful change initiatives. Emphasize your approach to managing resistance and ensuring smooth transitions.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Employment Legislation
Given the importance of compliance in HR, be prepared to discuss your understanding of relevant employment laws and how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show your capability to manage disputes and implement changes effectively.
