Head of People Operations Maternity Cover
Department: Central Services
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Horsham
Description
Full Time or Part Time (minimum 30 hours spread across 4 or 5 days).
Fixed Term, Maternity Cover: Between 14-16 months.
To lead the operational delivery of People services across the firm, ensuring efficient, compliant, and employee-focused support across the full employee lifecycle. The Head of People Operations plays a central role in optimising HR systems, protecting the integrity of our data, managing processes, and supporting a high-performing People team that contributes to a positive employee experience and business success.
About the role
* Delivery of fully optimised and efficient People systems and processes which support the employees and the business
* Delivery of intelligent, accurate and timely management information which informs and supports business decisions
* Design and development of policies and procedures which are fit for purpose, compliant and support the business
* Design of all reward and benefits, and the design of the operational processes to deliver these to the business
Key Tasks:
* Lead and develop HR operational strategy, ensuring alignment with the Firm's objectives and People Team priorities and ensuring continuous improvement of processes
* Oversee and optimise the HRIS (Cascade) to ensure system security in line with our GDPR obligations, and to ensure that workflows are maintained and developed, data is accurate and confidentiality is maintained.
* Oversee core People processes such as onboarding, offboarding, maternity, absences, payroll, benefits and compliance and ensuring our processes are efficient, consistent and aligned with Firm's policies
* Provide oversight of payroll delivery, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with HMRC obligations, and undertake detailed payroll audits each month
* Oversee and lead the Firm's cyclical activities including annual salary reviews, benefit renewals, gender pay gap reporting and data audits
* Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and internal policies through regular auditing and updates
* Generate and analyse People metrics and produce reports to support strategic decisions
* Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and process documentation
* Act as a key escalation point for operational HR queries and issues
* Manage third-party supplier relationships related to HR services, systems, or benefits
* Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on HR policy, process and systems
* Collaborate with senior leadership and internal teams to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee data and alignment with business needs.
* Work with external providers (e.g., benefits, HR software) to ensure high-quality service and value
* Lead change management initiatives related to HR systems, processes, and policies
* Oversee the Operations team, through the distribution of tasks, performance reviews and other People Manager responsibilities
* Prepare paperwork and lead
What we're looking for
* A strong verbal and written communicator, with the ability to build constructive and positive relationships
* CIPD qualified with proven experience of managing and influencing key stakeholders to improve people capability and operational efficiency
* Strong problem solving skills, with the ability to view a problem from different perspectives in order to identify the best solution for the business
* A strong project manager with the ability to oversee complex projects and draw in the appropriate resources at the right time
* Experience of coaching, mentoring and providing constructive feedback to others
* Proven ability to identify and manage people risk
* Attention to detail and the ability to manage, manipulate and read data to gain insights
* Highly IT literate and numerate
* Highly experienced user of Excel
Desired:
* Experience of using IRIS Cascade or another workflow based HRIS
* Experience of overseeing data and system integration across multiple systems
* Experience of overseeing internal payroll
* Power BI capability
What we can offer
* Financial wellbeing – competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, Life Assurance, Health Cash Plan, Income Protection Scheme and Perks at Work discounts and rewards.
* Leave – 25.5 days plus bank holidays, holiday buying Mental wellbeing – hybrid working (3 days in the office/2 from home) and flexible working policies, Employee Assistance Programme and counselling
* Physical wellbeing –Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance and an annual flu jab.
* Recognition – monthly nominations for financial awards based on culture and values
* Development – we offer continuous support and development with clear mapped progression routes across the business, as well as access to internal and external training courses
* Diversity, inclusion and belonging – we operate several family-friendly policies and take proactive steps to create an inclusive environment
* ESG – give as you earn, 1 extra day off each year to take up volunteering opportunities. Opportunities to support our commitment to charitable causes
* Travel – other optional benefits include: cycle to work scheme, interest-free season ticket loan (London only), interest-free car/motorbike loan
At Kreston Reeves, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all. We understand that everyone has unique needs, and we strive to accommodate them through reasonable adjustments. Whether it's adapting work environments, providing assistive technologies, or modifying processes, we are dedicated to supporting our employees in realising their full potential. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in our recruitment process or thrive in your role, please don't hesitate to reach out by emailing Please remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request. Your success is important to us, and we're here to ensure a supportive and inclusive experience for all.