Interim HR Operations Manager

Role Purpose Interim HR Operations Manager

The Interim HR Operations Manager will provide senior-level operational leadership across the HR Operations service, with a particular focus on stabilising, developing and embedding the Reward function during a period of organisational transition.

The role will ensure high-quality delivery of core HR operational services, lead continuous improvement activity, and strengthen service-wide processes, systems and governance. The post-holder will manage and develop the Pay & Reward team, oversee establishment-management processes, and work collaboratively across HR to support effective, consistent, and efficient people management practices.

This interim role is critical in supporting organisational readiness for the Total Pay & Reward Programme, ensuring interdependencies are managed and that BAU service quality is maintained.

Key Results Areas & Accountabilities Interim HR Operations Manager

1. HR Operations Leadership (Service-Wide) Interim HR Operations Manager

• Provide senior-level operational support across HR Operations, contributing to the delivery of a cohesive, customer-focused HR service.
• Lead service-wide improvement activity, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, reduce silos, and build consistency in ways of working.
• Provide expertise in HR operations process redesign, working with colleagues across the organisation to simplify workflows and improve digital enablement.
• Support the Head of HR Operations with operational oversight, risk identification, service prioritisation, and management of cross-cutting issues.

2. Reward, Recognition & Establishment Management Interim HR Operations Manager

• Lead the Pay & Reward team to deliver an effective, professional and responsive reward service.
• Oversee a robust job evaluation process ensuring fairness, consistency and compliance with Council policy.
• Maintain up-to-date approaches to reward, benefits and recognition, keeping strategies under review to support attraction and retention.
• Manage the day-to-day delivery, communication and marketing of staff benefit schemes.
• Oversee the establishment control framework in partnership with HR and Finance colleagues, ensuring high-quality data, governance and reporting.
• Lead the allowance request and approval processes, ensuring transparency, risk monitoring and appropriate escalation where needed.
• Commission or procure external reward or benchmarking support when required, ensuring compliance with procurement and corporate policies.

3. Policy, Compliance & Advisory Support Interim HR Operations Manager

• Contribute to the development and implementation of HR policies, particularly those relating to Reward, Establishment Management and HR Operations processes.
• Provide expert advice to senior managers and HR colleagues on complex operational issues, including reward, organisational change and establishment matters.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, case law, and sector best practice to ensure compliance and inform service improvements

Knowledge Interim HR Operations Manager

• Relevant degree or professional qualification (e.g., CIPD)
• Evidence of ongoing CPD
• Strong understanding of Pay & Reward practices
• Knowledge of recruitment processes
• Understanding of statutory, policy and local government frameworks

Experience Interim HR Operations Manager

• Demonstrable experience leading or supporting Reward, Recognition or Compensation & Benefits services
• Experience in job evaluation and its practical application
• Proven ability to lead operational HR projects and influence policy development
• Experience delivering effective communication and engagement activities
• Experience implementing performance and quality assurance frameworks
• Experience managing and developing staff