At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead people operations to create an exceptional employee experience and optimise workplace practices.
- Company: Join CALM, a forward-thinking organisation with ambitious goals and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited annual leave, healthcare cash plan, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Flexible working with excellent career growth opportunities in a vibrant London setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant HR qualification and practical experience in people operations.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 52000 £ per year.
Your mission CALM is entering an exciting period of change, with a bold new strategy and big ambitions for the future. As our People Operations Lead, you’ll play a key role in creating the people experience, culture and infrastructure we need to make those ambitions a reality.
About You
You are a proactive, detail-obsessed People Ops professional who loves bringing order, structure, and care to people and processes. Highly empathetic yet resilient, you excel at balancing a high volume of operational tasks with sensitive employee relations work. You take pride in being a trusted sounding board for managers, have a natural curiosity for people, data and systems. You are passionate about creating a trusting, inclusive workplace where people feel motivated and supported.
Responsibilities
- Employee Experience Champion: CALM’s culture and values, using employee feedback and data to optimise an exceptional employee experience, from recruitment to offboarding.
- Operational Excellence & Flawless Administration: Own end-to-end people operations and systems with meticulous attention to detail. This includes maintaining HR platforms (Personio, Culture Amp, Notion), managing salary benchmarking, keeping policies both compliant and relevant. Ensure flawless, reliable administration across every touchpoint of the employee lifecycle.
- Manager Empowerment & Employee Relations: Work with our HR partners to provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues, equipping and coaching managers to navigate sensitive people matters confidently, professionally, and with care.
- Internal Comms: Act as an excellent written and verbal communicator across CALM, leading the clear and engaging communication of policies, benefits, and workplace updates, ensuring teams remain informed and connected.
Qualification
A relevant HR qualification, ideally CIPD Level 5 or equivalent. We would also consider candidates with a Level 3 qualification who can demonstrate exceptional practical experience and expertise in people operations and employee experience, alongside a commitment to continuing their professional development.
Experience
- Experience delivering flawless attention to detail in a fast-paced and busy environment.
- Strong practical experience across People Operations and the employee lifecycle.
- Experience providing HR advice and managing employee relations matters, including grievance and disciplinary processes.
- Experience supporting and coaching managers to confidently handle people-related situations.
- Experience developing and improving people processes, policies and systems.
- Experience using data and feedback to identify insights and drive improvements.
- Experience partnering with Hiring Managers and recruiters to provide an exceptional candidate experience.
- Experience working with HR systems such as Personio, Culture Amp or similar platforms.
- Excellent working knowledge of UK employment law and current HR best practice.
Competencies
- People-centred & pragmatic: You genuinely care about people and are motivated by creating an excellent employee experience. You balance empathy with sound judgement and practical action.
- Inclusive: You actively seek different perspectives and are committed to creating an environment where people feel valued, respected and able to contribute.
- Organised: You deliver a high standard of work while managing competing priorities.
- Adaptable: You’re comfortable working in an organisation with evolving needs.
- Continuous improvement mindset: You naturally look for ways to make things better and more effective, using insight to guide your approach.
Why us?
- Reports to: Operations Director
- Contract: Permanent
- Benefits: Unlimited annual leave, Healthcare cash plan, 6% pension contribution, therapeutic services (after completion of probation), hybrid working & nine day fortnight
- Based: London Waterloo twice a week (Wednesdays and Thursdays) / Remote Working (Mon, Tues & Fri), 9.30am - 5.30pm.
- Salary: £45k - £52k per annum. We benchmark our salaries to ensure our pay structure remains fair, transparent, and equitable for everyone in our team.
Applications will close on Thursday 1st October and are reviewed on a rolling basis; we encourage interested candidates to apply early.
People Operations Lead employer: Thecalmzone
Thecalmzone is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for a Digital Marketing Manager looking to make a meaningful impact. With a focus on employee growth, we offer continuous learning opportunities and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements in vibrant London, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to CALM's vital mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Operations Lead
✨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 Thecalmzone!
✨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 Thecalmzone.
We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Lead
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 Thecalmzone. 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 Thecalmzone 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 Thecalmzone. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Thecalmzone'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 Thecalmzone
✨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 Thecalmzone.
✨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 Thecalmzone 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 Thecalmzone and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.