HR Operations Manager in EC1

Job Description

Your new role\n\nAn established, international retail organisation is seeking a People Operations Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operational HR agenda across the UK and Southern Europe. The role supports a circa‑700 employee population across multiple countries and retail locations, with responsibility for ensuring operational excellence across HR Operations including payroll, systems, reward, mobility and employee relations.This is a hands‑on, delivery‑focused role suited to an experienced HR professional who enjoys working close to the detail while maintaining oversight of risk, governance and cost. You'll manage one direct report and partner closely with Finance, Legal, Retail leadership and external providers.\n\nEmployee Relations & Risk Management\n\nOversee complex and sensitive employee relations matters\nPartner with external legal advisors on investigations, disputes and high‑risk cases\nCoordinate with Health, Safety and Security stakeholders where appropriatePayroll & Operational Compliance\n\nFull accountability for payroll delivery across several jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance\nAct as the central link between HR, Finance, operational teams and external payroll partners\nMaintain compliance with local employment, tax and regulatory requirementsPeople Analytics, Cost Control & Planning\n\nOwn headcount modelling, payroll forecasting and workforce cost management\nProduce people insights, reporting and dashboards to support business decision‑making\nAnalyse trends, risks and inefficiencies within the people function and recommend improvementsHR Systems & Data Ownership\n\nSystem owner for HR technology, ensuring data accuracy, integrity and adoption\nLead system enhancements, upgrades and optimisation activity\nProvide training and support to HR colleagues, managers and employees on system useReward & Benefits\n\nDeliver annual reward cycles including salary reviews, bonus and commission administration\nSupport market benchmarking to ensure competitive and sustainable reward positioning\nManage benefits provision and relationships with external suppliersMobility & Right‑to‑Work\n\nOversee immigration, visa and relocation processes for international hires and transfers\nPartner with external advisors to ensure full compliance across jurisdictions\nAct as a trusted point of contact for employees navigating international movesWhat you'll need to succeed\n\nSenior experience in People/HR Operations with Payroll and Reward (c.10+ years)\nBackground in retail, hospitality or other fast‑paced environments \nStrong payroll (end‑to‑end), HR systems and people reporting capability\nConfident using HR data and dashboards to drive insight and decisions\nDetail‑focused, well-organised, and compliant in approach\nSolid knowledge of UK and regional employment law\nStrong communicator, trusted with highly sensitive information\nWhat you'll get in return\n\nGenerous pay and benefits\n\nWhat you need to do now\n\nIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.\n\nHays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.

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