Better places, thriving communities.
Director of People Operations & Partnerships
Location: UK-wide
A career-defining opportunity to shape the future of People Operations for 70,000 colleagues.
Join us at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. As our Director of People Operations & Partnerships, you'll lead the engine that powers our people experience—driving operational excellence, digital innovation, and high‑performing partnerships across one of the UK's largest workforces.
The opportunity has arisen due to an internal secondment of the incumbent who moves to lead on broader HR transformation. Therefore, the role holder will benefit from this retained knowledge and expertise whilst having the full accountability and empowerment to lead People Operation into the next chapter of Mitie and HR.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a truly influential role at scale, shaping how People Operations evolves to support a fast‑paced, high‑volume, commercial environment.
Why this role matters
Following significant business expansion, our People function is evolving to deliver greater commercial impact, a consistently excellent colleague experience, and a future‑ready HR operating model.
You’ll lead the full “Run” element of our Run–Change–Grow model—ensuring every HR interaction works smoothly, efficiently, and in a way that helps both the business and our colleagues thrive.
With a team of over 300 (onshore, offshore and outsourced partners), you’ll shape the strategy, service model, and culture of People Operations for the years ahead.
What You’ll Lead
A high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary HR operations ecosystem covering:
* HR Services, Employee Relations, Payroll, Resourcing, HR Systems & Data
* Major partnerships with our offshore HR & Payroll provider, technology vendors, and recruitment partners
* Transformation initiatives to digitise, automate and modernise the full colleague lifecycle
* End‑to‑end HR service delivery for 70,000 colleagues, including 20,000 hires and 24,000 ER cases annually
* Data, insights and analytics to support strategic decision‑making across the business
Above all, you’ll champion simplification, automation, and a friction‑free colleague experience.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for a seasoned, collaborative leader who thrives in scale and complexity. You will have:
* Extensive senior HR Operations/Shared Services leadership in a large, multi‑site organisation
* Experience managing offshore delivery teams, large vendor ecosystems, and complex commercial performance
* A track record of digital transformation, HRIS implementation, and automation
* Deep understanding of UK employment law, payroll compliance and HR governance
* Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and the confidence to influence across all levels
* A low‑ego, high‑EQ leadership style that inspires teams, builds trust, and drives continuous improvement
This is a role for someone who loves pace, embraces complexity, and knows how to deliver excellence at scale.
What You’ll Impact
Your leadership will help us:
* Modernise HR through technology and automation
* Deliver a seamless, high‑quality colleague experience
* Strengthen commercial performance and compliance
* Build an empowered, innovative People Operations function
* Enable a stronger, more efficient organisation as we continue to grow
Ready to shape the future of People Operations?
If you’re energised by leading large‑scale operations, partnering at a strategic level, and delivering meaningful impact for tens of thousands of colleagues, we’d love to hear from you.
We are a Disability Confident Employer
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fully accessible and inclusive. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing edi@mitie.com or Gemma.Parry@mitie.com.
Benefits and Recognition
Our market‑leading offering includes virtual GP access, financial wellbeing support, flexible lifestyle benefits, high‑street discounts, a cycle‑to‑work scheme, life cover up to four times your salary, enhanced pension contributions, a save‑as‑you‑earn scheme, and a Mitie Matching Share Plan. We also award Mitie Stars for outstanding performance, with cash prizes each month and a chance to win a £10,000 top prize.
Join Our Mitie Team
Together our diversity makes us stronger. If you’re interested, apply now.
* Apply Now
Looking to Move Roles But Not Leaving the Mitie Family?
Why not share your experience with others about life at Mitie?
#J-18808-Ljbffr