Job Description
Interim HR Operations Manager
Location: Local Authority (Hybrid Working)
Contract: 12 Months (with potential extension)
Agency: Aatom Recruitment
Aatom Recruitment is supporting a local authority in their search for an experienced Interim HR Operations Manager. This role requires a senior HR professional with strong operational leadership experience, particularly within Reward, Pay and Establishment Management, to help stabilise and strengthen services during a period of organisational change.
Role Purpose
The Interim HR Operations Manager will lead, develop and enhance the HR Operations service, with a core focus on embedding and improving the Reward function. You will ensure the effective delivery of day-to-day HR operations, drive continuous improvement, and enhance service-wide governance, processes and systems.
A key responsibility will be supporting organisational readiness for the Total Pay & Reward Programme, ensuring that interdependencies are well managed while maintaining high service standards.
Key Responsibilities1. HR Operations Leadership
* Provide senior-level operational leadership across HR Operations.
* Drive improvements that streamline processes, reduce silos, and build consistent ways of working.
* Redesign HR operational processes to improve workflow and digital capability.
* Support the Head of HR Operations with risk management, prioritisation and service-wide coordination.
2. Reward, Recognition & Establishment Management
* Lead and develop the Pay & Reward team to deliver a responsive and professional service.
* Oversee a fair and consistent job evaluation process.
* Maintain and evolve staff reward, benefits and recognition strategies.
* Manage communication and delivery of staff benefits.
* Oversee establishment control, ensuring high-quality data, governance and reporting.
* Lead allowance approval processes with transparency and risk oversight.
* Commission external reward/benchmarking support where needed.
3. Policy, Compliance & Advisory
* Contribute to policy development relating to Reward, Establishment Management and HR Operations.
* Provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex reward and organisational change matters.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law, case law and sector best practice.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong relationships with HR Business Partners, Directors and senior managers.
* Work collaboratively with Trade Unions, JE evaluators and staff networks.
* Partner with digital and systems teams to support HR modernisation.
5. Team Leadership & Development
* Line manage and develop the Pay & Reward team, building capability and resilience.
* Recruit, train and maintain a pool of job evaluation panellists, including TU representatives.
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and professional development.
Knowledge, Skills & ExperienceEssential
* Relevant degree or professional qualification (e.g., CIPD).
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
* Strong knowledge of Pay & Reward practices.
* Demonstrable experience leading Reward, Recognition or Compensation & Benefits functions.
* Experience in applying job evaluation frameworks.
* Proven ability to lead HR operational projects and influence policy.
* Experience delivering communication and engagement activities.
* Experience managing and developing staff.
* Experience implementing performance or quality assurance frameworks.
Desirable
* Understanding of recruitment processes.
* Knowledge of statutory, policy and local government frameworks.
Team Structure
* Direct line management of:2 × Pay & Reward Officers
* 1 × Pay & Reward Administrative Assistant
* Oversight of a wider network of JE evaluators, including Trade Union representatives.
Working Conditions
* Hybrid working available.
* All arrangements in line with corporate standards.
Please contact Anisha to apply!