Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver top-notch support for WaterAiders and manage payroll processes.
- Company: Join WaterAid, a global leader in providing clean water and sanitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing people operations and payroll for over 250 staff required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating a fairer future.
The predicted salary is between 57415 - 60436 £ per year.
Base pay range
Contract: Permanent, Full‑time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £57,415 – £60,436 per annum with excellent benefits
Location: London, UK
UK hybrid working: at least 40 % of working time face‑to‑face (London office, external meetings or travel). Two days per week, one Thursday, when the UK People Team are office based.
About WaterAid
We are a global federation driven by a single vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the team
The UK People Team play a critical role in helping WaterAid realise its goals. We lead on the development, deployment and application of strategies, policies and guidance that ensure that WaterAiders are aligned and engaged, and that they have the skills and opportunities to maximise the impact they can make to our mission. A small, impactful team, at the forefront of our delivery is the service we give to the organisation and central to that is our employee experience to support WaterAiders and the maintenance of a high‑performing environment.
About the role
A key leadership position in the UK, responsible for leading a dynamic and talented team that delivers the highest standards of operational support to WaterAiders in country. The role will need to plan, prioritise and deliver to a high standard what we promise in order to deliver our ambitious mission.
In this role you will
- Manage, coach and build the capabilities of the People Support Team, their performance and development in line with our values and people promise.
- Own UK People Team policies, processes and procedures, ensuring they meet legislative requirements, are fit for purpose and in line with best practice and organisational priorities under the umbrella of our employee value proposition.
- Lead the delivery of the programme of work so that service standards are met, solutions are pragmatic and driven by our values, minimising risk.
- Accountable for the delivery of UK monthly payroll and pension processes, providing oversight and support to the work of the in‑house Payroll Officer and being a back‑up to their role, to ensure payroll is run accurately each month.
- Implement the annual pay award operationally ensuring accuracy, compliance and timeliness of payment to all UK based staff.
- Implement a new payroll system for the UK.
- Primary super user of HR Information System, PeoplePlace, ensuring effective and efficient use of the system. Responsible that the country\’s employee data is correct and in compliance with data protection.
- Drive the importance of data and people analytics and create a culture of data‑based decision‑making and insight across the team.
- Maintain the monthly UK headcount establishment data with key stakeholders in Finance.
- Annual analysis and statutory reporting of the Pay Gap in the UK.
- Act as the UK Team specialist on areas of HR compliance, working with 3rd parties and specialist advisors, to ensure that our policies, processes and practices are compliant and meet legal requirements.
- Provide senior expertise and build capability across the wider people function on data protection in the People Team.
- Ownership of salary calculations in the event of employee termination and/or redundancy.
- Monthly payroll and pension sign off.
- Budget management and invoice approval.
Requirements
- Proven experience in leading, managing and developing a high‑performing people operations team in a matrix, fast‑paced organisation.
- Proven experience in managing and running in‑house payroll for at least 250 staff or more.
- Excellent understanding of HR policy development and proven experience in developing and embedding HR policies, processes and procedures that are fit for purpose.
- A qualified and robust HR Practitioner who has sound and up‑to‑date knowledge of employment law, tax and legislative requirements affecting a wide spectrum of HR policies and practice, i.e. payroll, pension, reward and benefits, together with their application in the context of the employee experience.
- Working knowledge and experience of HR and Payroll systems to maximise functionality and create efficiencies.
- Demonstrated project management capability.
- Proven experience in contract management and managing a wide range of third‑party service providers.
Personal qualities
- A self‑starter focused on delivery and execution: proactive in bringing solutions and recommendations to resolve problems and continuously improve HR practices.
- Able to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity: comfortable working at pace, resilient and able to work under pressure.
Desirable capabilities
- Degree‑level education or equivalent.
- Associate (or higher) membership of the CIPD or equivalent work experience.
- An interest in and/or knowledge of development issues and the work of INGOs.
Benefits
- 36 days holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays) – see note below for clarification.
- Option to buy an extra 5 days annual leave.
- Employer pension contribution up to 10 %.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Season ticket loan.
- Free annual eye tests.
- ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme.
- Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity).
- Sabbaticals.
- One paid volunteer day each year.
As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all UK WaterAiders to take a well‑deserved break.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life, and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counter‑terrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Application deadline
Applications close 28 October 2025 at 12:00 PM UK time. Availability for the first interview (online) is required for 10 November 2025, and the second interviews will take place in person at Canary Wharf on 19 November 2025.
How to apply
Click Apply to upload your CV and a short one‑pager cover letter.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
UK People Support Team Lead employer: WaterAid
Contact Detail:
WaterAid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK People Support Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or through industry events. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're trying to land that People Support Team Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research WaterAid's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the WaterAid team.
We think you need these skills to ace UK People Support Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of UK People Support Team Lead. Highlight your experience in managing people operations and any relevant achievements that align with our mission at WaterAid.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your values align with ours. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your expertise in payroll, HR policies, and compliance. We want to see how your skills can help us deliver the highest standards of operational support for WaterAiders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of WaterAid's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their policies, especially those related to HR and payroll, as you'll be expected to lead in these areas. Show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how it contributes to the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a People Support Team Lead, your ability to manage and develop a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on coaching and performance management. Be ready to discuss how you can foster a high-performing environment aligned with WaterAid's values.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves HR analytics and compliance, brush up on your data management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with HR systems, particularly in relation to payroll and reporting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and resilience. Think about challenges you've faced in HR operations and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
