HR Operations Manager

About the role

This is a hands‑on HR Operations Manager position in Oxford, reporting directly to the Head of HR. You will lead a small HR team while delivering proactive employee‑relations, recruitment and operational HR services across a diverse workforce.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a broad portfolio of employee‑relations cases, including complex and sensitive matters.
• Lead sickness and absence management, handling long‑term cases.
• Oversee end‑to‑end recruitment, partnering with hiring managers to ensure timely hires.
• Ensure accurate contract preparation and smooth onboarding processes.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, guidance and performance monitoring for the HR team.
• Monitor HR service inboxes and response times to maintain high service standards.
• Act as a primary point of contact for managers and department heads on HR matters.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of HR policies, procedures and systems.

Required profile

• Proven experience as an HR Operations Manager, HR Manager, senior HR Generalist or Senior HR Advisor.
• Strong employee‑relations background with experience handling complex casework.
• Solid knowledge of the full employee lifecycle and HR best practices.
• Confidence influencing stakeholders and making sound HR decisions.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused attitude with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

Required skills

• Experience with HR information systems (HRIS) and recruitment platforms.

What we offer

• Competitive salary £50,000‑£55,000 per year.
• 30 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Free onsite parking and a full‑time onsite work environment.
• Opportunity to work closely with an experienced Head of HR on transformation projects.
• Leadership role with clear visibility across the organisation.