At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, ensuring smooth delivery of services and enhancing employee experience.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity making a real impact on wildlife preservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to saving wildlife and improving HR processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR operations, data analysis, and knowledge of employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
As HR Operations Team Lead, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth, efficient and compliant delivery of HR services across the entire employee lifecycle. Leading the day-to-day HR operations function, you will oversee the administration of core HR processes, driving accuracy, consistency and excellence in service delivery while ensuring a positive employee experience. Working collaboratively across the People Team, you will identify opportunities to streamline and enhance processes, embedding best practice and continuous improvement throughout HR Operations. You will use operational insights to drive meaningful change, improving efficiency, quality and effectiveness across the function. Partnering closely with the HR Systems & Data Analyst, you will help translate data and operational insights into practical solutions that optimise processes, strengthen service delivery and support the organisation's people priorities.
This role is offered on a full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week, and is a blended office and home-working role, with two days per week on site at either our offices in Regent’s Park - London, or Whipsnade Zoo. Please Note: Salary may be dependent on your designated office location.
Key responsibilities:
- HR Workflow Coordination: Lead and coordinate HR workflows across onboarding, contractual changes, employee movements, leavers, and position management ensuring seamless integration between HR, recruitment, and payroll system.
- HR Operations Improvement: Monitor and continuously improve HR operational performance, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, quality, and employee experience.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with stakeholders across People and Finance, and the wider organisation to deliver operational priorities and support key projects.
- People Data & Reporting: Support the development and effective use of people metrics, dashboards, and reporting by ensuring robust operational processes and high-quality data inputs.
About You
Previous experience of working in an HR coordination or operations focussed role with a regular application of employment law, regulations and compliance requirements. Experience of developing and working with data dashboards and reporting tools, including Power BI, to analyse people data, identify trends, and generate insights that support operational and strategic decision-making. Proficient in using HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) such as Eploy, iTrent or People First. Comprehensive knowledge of HR processes, including onboarding, contracting, and employee life-cycle changes.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.
About Us
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What We Offer?
Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Up to 12% contributory pension
- Flexible working options
- 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Access to our staff Equality Networks
- Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
- Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)
You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide.
HR Operations Team Lead employer: Zoological Society of London
ZSL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the prestigious Institute of Zoology in Regent’s Park, London. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, ZSL fosters an environment where you can grow your skills while contributing to impactful conservation efforts. The flexible working arrangement and focus on compliance ensure that you can maintain a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful difference.
Contact Details:
Zoological Society of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Operations Team 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!
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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 Zoological Society of London!
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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 Zoological Society of London.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Operations Team 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 Zoological Society of London. 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 Zoological Society of London 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 Zoological Society of London. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Zoological Society of London'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 Zoological Society of London
✨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 Zoological Society of London.
✨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!
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A full-time HR role at Zoological Society of London 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.
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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 Zoological Society of London and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
