This newly created role sits at the core of our “Enabling People” strategy, shaping the systems, data and processes that help OpenWorks scale with confidence.
In this role, you’ll optimise our people and talent systems (Rippling and Workable), strengthen the quality and use of our data, streamline workflows across the employee lifecycle and build the clarity and consistency needed to support an excellent employee experience. You’ll make our systems landscape smoother, smarter and more user-friendly - creating workflows and infrastructure to enhance employee experience.
This position is based on-site in Prudhoe (close to Newcastle-upon-Tyne) with flexible working options available. We are unable to sponsor a visa or UK/global relocation for this position.
Applications close on the 11th January 2026 but we may close early if we receive lots of interest, so early applications are encouraged.
Who We Are
OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.
Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They’ve been deployed internationally to protect high-profile military and civilian assets, contributing to the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones.
We’re incredibly proud to support a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting some of the most high-profile sites and individuals worldwide.
The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.
Here’s what our benefits have to offer
* Competitive remuneration package, salary between £35,000 – £45,000 depending upon experience
* 25 days’ holiday + public holidays, with long-service rewards and the option to buy up to 5 additional days
* Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team
* Private healthcare through Aviva
* Life assurance for peace of mind
* Salary sacrifice schemes – including EV car and Cycle to Work
* Paid team socials and community-building activities
* Pension plan with employer-matched contributions
* A culture that empowers – we enable change, encourage challenge and celebrate personal growth
What to expect at interview
Stage 1 (online): A pre-screen call with Loren (Recruitment Manager)
Stage 2 (in person): A situational judgement assessment and a competency-based interview with Jo (Head of People and Talent) and Loren
What you’ll be doing
* People and Recruitment Systems: Continuously improve our HRIS (Rippling) and ATS (Workable) by ensuring accurate data, effective configuration and user-friendly workflows, while developing intuitive self-service tools and maintaining clear documentation, version control and consistent system standards.
* People and Recruitment Data, Reporting and Insights: Support with people and recruitment reporting and data analysis and help turn large data sets into key metrics and insights
* Process Design and Continuous Improvement: Standardise and simplify processes, improving workflows through automation and clear governance while supporting strong compliance, audit readiness and data protection best practice.
* Systems Training and User Enablement: Create practical toolkits and micro-learning to build user confidence at all levels of the business, providing clear system guidance and embedding our “Enable People” philosophy throughout all resources
* Projects and People Strategy Support: Lead system and data related projects that improve automation, data quality and self-service, partnering closely with the Head of People and Talent to modernise processes and our people data infrastructure
What we’re looking for
Essential
* Previous experience configuring HRIS/ATS systems catered to mid-sized businesses or above
* Previous background in an in-house recruitment, people/HR or learning and development environment
* Excellent Microsoft Excel skills
* Good exposure to people analytics, automation and API integrations
* Able to quickly organise large data sets and translate what’s possible into practical solutions
* Experienced standardising processes and creating clear, user-friendly documentation
* An excellent communicator who brings clarity, calm and collaboration to every interaction
* Comfortable delivering training or bite-sized learning
* Strong understanding of UK people processes and GDPR compliance
* Proactive, solutions-focused and highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities
Desirable
* Experience in a fast-paced SME environment, ideally engineering or manufacturing
* Skilled in building people and recruitment related KPI dashboards (Power BI, Google Data Studio, Tableau or similar) using large data sets
* Experience using Rippling and/or Workable
* A previous background in an in-house recruitment, people or learning and development environment