HR Operations Manager

Think FE; Hilcote; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A well-regarded college in the East Midlands is seeking an Interim HR Operations Manager. You will provide strategic leadership for the HR Operations function and manage a team during a transition period. The ideal candidate will have CIPD Level 5 and proven HR operations experience in education or the public sector. This role offers competitive daily rates and hybrid working arrangements for a contract expected to last 3 months or longer.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience.
• Strong background in HR operations within education or public sector settings.
• Proven expertise in employee relations and people management.
• Ability to lead strategically while remaining hands-on.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR Operations function and strategic oversight of HR processes.
• Manage a team of HR Assistants and an Associate HR Business Partner.
• Handle Employee Relations caseload management.
• Engage stakeholders within the college community.

Skills

Employee Relations

People Management

HR Systems

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent

Job description

Interim HR Operations Manager – Further Education – East Midlands

Are you an experienced HR professional ready to take on a strategic leadership role within a dynamic and supportive further education environment? We’re working with awell-regarded college in the East Midlandsto recruit aInterim HR Operations Managerto lead their operational HR team during a period of transition.

Pay: £200.00-£250.00 per day - Permanent applications also welcome.

Location: Derbyshire
Working Arrangement: Full-time, hybrid working available
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Length: To cover permanent recruitment (estimated 3+ months)

The Role:

As Interim HR Operations Manager, you’ll lead the HR Operations function, providing strategic oversight of core HR processes, compliance, and systems. You'll also manage a team of HR Assistants and an Associate HR Business Partner, while offering expert advice on complex and high-risk cases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational leadership and oversight of HR systems and processes
• Direct line management and mentoring of HR team members
• Caseload management, particularly around Employee Relations
• Strategic and compliant handling of ill-health retirements
• Stakeholder engagement across the college community

What You’ll Need:

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience
• Strong background in HR operations within education or public sector settings
• Proven expertise in employee relations and people management
• Ability to lead strategically while remaining hands‑on

Next Steps:

Once you’ve applied, one of our friendly further education consultants will give you a call to discuss this opportunity. The college will move quickly for the right applicant, and they have a simple and concise interview process. Think FE Ltd. are acting as an employment business for this position. Working for/with Think FE Ltd. is subject to agreement to our Terms and Conditions.

Data Policy:

Your data will be stored by Think FE Ltd. solely for the purpose of helping you to find work. By hitting apply you consent to your data being used in this way. We will confirm with you by email immediately with a full breakdown of how your data is used, and you may opt out fully or in part at any time. Your data will not be passed on to 3rd parties without your permission.