Interim HR Operations Manager (fixed term contract)
Location: London. 5 days in-office requirement.
Type: Fixed term contract requiring an immediate start with an initial contract duration until 31st December 2026 (with potential extension)
Salary: Up to £100,000 FTE + £10,000 completion bonus plus desirable benefits.
The Opportunity
Middlemore have been retained by a high-performing, international financial services business to recruit an Interim HR Operations Manager to take ownership of HR operations, supporting an international population, during a key transition phase, including the go-live and embedding of a new HR system (Workday).
This is a hands-on role where you will lead day-to-day HR operations for the business, managing a small team of direct reports who are split between the UK an international location.
The Role
Reporting to the Global People Operations Director you will be responsible for delivering a high-quality HR service across a population of c. 750 employees globally.
You will lead a small, distributed team and act as the central point of coordination and escalation for all HR operational activity.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading HR operations and administration across the full employee lifecycle
* Managing and developing a team of HR Advisors/Administrators (UK and offshore)
* Allocating work, setting priorities, and maintaining service standards
* Acting as the key escalation point for HR operational issues
* Overseeing onboarding, benefits administration, and monthly onboarding events
* Managing right-to-work, visas, relocation, and mobility processes
* Ensuring compliance with data protection, audit, and control requirements
* Managing and optimising the performance of an offshore HR provider
* Supporting the transition to Workday (cutover, training, documentation, and process embedding)
* Contributing to process improvement and documentation as the function evolves
The Environment
This is not a traditional, process-led HR operations role as it requires a high degree of flexibility and a solutions-driven mindset.
The function currently operates in a:
* High-touch environment with bespoke requests - requiring a flexible and pragmatic approach
* Fast-paced setting with shifting priorities
* Context where processes are evolving and not always fully defined
Success in this role will come from your ability to bring a degree of structure, and sound judgement without over-engineering processes.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a pragmatic, delivery-focused HR Operations Manager who thrives in dynamic environments.
You will bring:
* Strong HR Operations experience within an SME or mid-sized business
* Proven experience managing small HR teams (including offshore or third-party providers)
* Hands-on experience with Workday (essential)
* A track record of operating effectively in fast-paced, evolving environments
* Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build trust quickly
* High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities at pace
Highly desirable:
* Financial services experience (e.g. asset / investment management, boutique banking, Private Equity or similar)
* Experience in a high-performing entrepreneurial environment
This Role May Not Suit You If:
* You prefer highly structured, process-driven environments
* You require clearly defined scope and stable priorities
* You are not comfortable operating with ambiguity or managing competing demands
* You do not thrive working closely with key business leaders, and HR Business Partner colleagues
If this is something of interest please apply or reach out directly to