People Operations Lead (Maternity Cover)

About the role

We are seeking a People Operations Lead to join our team on a 12‑month fixed‑term maternity cover. In this pivotal role you will own the end‑to‑end employee experience, providing expert HR guidance and ensuring compliance across the business.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the full employee lifecycle – onboarding, development, and off‑boarding.
• Provide advice to managers on employee‑relations matters and ensure policies comply with UK employment law.
• Lead recruitment activities and support hiring managers throughout the hiring process.
• Oversee HR administration, maintain employee records, and manage HR systems.
• Process payroll inputs, administer benefits, and produce HR metrics and reports.
• Drive employee engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and support performance‑management processes.

Required profile

• Previous experience as a People Operations Lead, HR Manager or Senior HR Generalist.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and employee‑relations case handling.
• Excellent organisational and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• Ability to work autonomously, juggle multiple priorities and communicate effectively.
• CIPD Level 5 or higher is desirable.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary (£55,000‑£60,000 per year).
• Hybrid working – 4 days on‑site, 1 day remote.
• Generous holiday entitlement and pension scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.