Manpower are currently seeking an interim HR Operations Manager (UK & I), to work with our global FMCG client The Magnum Ice Cream Company, renowned for brands such as Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Cornetto and Wall's, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.
The position is based in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. This is a full-time temporary role to start ASAP and to run until the end of FEB 2027, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £77,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.
The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company (formerly a division of Unilever) is now a standalone, independent, EUR 7.9 billion publicly listed company. We're on a mission to create the ultimate snacking company.? A place where growth, innovation, founder and ownership mentality, and performance are cultivated and rewarded. And where we craft extraordinary ice cream experiences - transforming ordinary moments into lasting memories.? Because we know, life tastes better with ice cream.?
ROLE OVERVIEW:
We are seeking an experienced HR Operations Manager to lead a 12-month transformation and stabilisation programme across HR operations in the UK and Ireland.
This role is focused on delivering operational improvements, ensuring continuity during organisational transition activities, and embedding scalable, compliant, and efficient HR operational processes.
The role will drive operational outcomes across employee lifecycle delivery, HR systems transition, vendor performance, and workforce compliance, ensuring HR services effectively support all employees during a period of change.
The successful candidate will combine strong HR operational leadership with practical understanding of workforce challenges in a transforming business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
HR Operations Transformation & In-Country Delivery
1. Deliver stable, efficient, and compliant HR operational services across the UK&I workforce
2. Lead improvements to employee lifecycle processes to increase efficiency, consistency, and service quality
3. Standardise and optimise HR operational processes across locations to support scalable service delivery
4. Improve HR data governance, reporting accuracy, and operational process control
5. Implement measurable improvements in operational efficiency and service outcomes
6. Lead on various in-country projects as required
HR Systems & Data Transition
7. Act as UK&I operational lead for Workday, ensuring strong data quality and effective system utilisation
8. Support transition and implementation activities linked to Workday separation and system changes (OPUS)
9. Partner with global teams to test, deploy, and embed system updates with minimal operational disruption (OPUS)
10. Ensure system and data readiness to support ongoing business and organisational changes
Benefits & Vendor Performance Delivery
11. Ensure third-party HR vendors and benefit providers deliver agreed service outcomes and service levels
12. Strengthen vendor governance and resolve service delivery issues effectively
13. Support delivery of annual benefits activities and employee communications to maintain engagement and compliance
14. Improve vendor performance management and service quality
Compliance & Risk Management Outcomes
15. Ensure HR operations remain compliant with UK&I employment legislation and regulatory requirements
16. Strengthen operational processes supporting right-to-work and immigration compliance
17. Partner with legal, payroll & finance teams to reduce operational risk exposure
18. Implement improvements that increase compliance assurance across HR processes
Leadership & Stakeholder Delivery
19. Act as primary HR operational delivery contact for business leaders and HR stakeholders
20. Partner with HR Business Partners to improve operational support and service experience
21. Lead or support delivery of global and regional HR projects impacting UK&I operations
22. Drive accountability and clarity across operational delivery during transformation activity
Required Experience & Skills
23. Proven experience in an HR operations or HR services management role
24. Strong working knowledge of Workday HR system
25. Experience managing relationships with external benefits and HR service vendors
26. Solid understanding of UK employment law and immigration requirements
27. Experience with an OH vendor selection is desired
28. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
29. Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities
30. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment independently
Preferred Qualifications
31. CIPD qualification or equivalent HR certification
32. Experience working in a multinational or matrix organisation
33. Experience driving HR process improvement initiatives
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