Job Description
Title: People Services Manager
Department: People TeamContract: Full Time | PermanentReporting to: Head of People & Culture
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum DOE
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced People Services Manager to lead our transactional HR (HR Operations / HR Shared Services) function and shape how first-line HR support is delivered across a fast-paced, multi-site organisation.
Your focus will be on all aspects of our transactional HR service delivery, including onboarding, safer recruitment compliance, HR mailbox, references, general departmental administration and ensuring an outstanding service. You will provide day-to-day leadership to a team of People & Culture Assistants within the People Services Team.
You will play a critical role in delivering a high-quality, compliant and customer-focused HR service that directly supports our wider People strategy and organisational growth.
About Busy Bees
Founded in 1983, Busy Bees is the UK’s leading childcare provider and the third largest globally, with over 1000 centres worldwide. We are a values-driven, purpose-led organisation, committed to giving every child the best start in life.
Why you'll love working for us
* Sector-leading family leave, including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
* Smart Hive – our 24/7 employee benefits platform with retail, travel, and cinema discounts
* Childcare discount
* Your birthday off every year plus 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
* Health and wellbeing support, including our Employee Assistance Programme, Peppy, and Mental Health apps
* Professional development through our in-house training academy and access to further qualification
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee all transactional HR activity to ensure accurate, efficient and SLA-driven service delivery.
* Manage onboarding processes to ensure a seamless transition from offer to start date.
* Work closely with Talent Acquisition and Payroll to ensure a smooth end-to-end employee journey.
* Oversee the HR inbox and internal ticketing system, ensuring effective triage and prioritisation.
* Ensure full compliance with safer recruitment practices, DBS checks, employment legislation and internal People policies.
* Develop and maintain internal governance controls, approval processes and version management.
* Implement and monitor robust HR processes across a multi-site environment.
* Lead, coach and develop a team of People & Culture Assistants.
* Foster a high-performance, service-focused culture built on accountability and excellence.
* Create development pathways to grow future HR talent within the People Services function.
* Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency.
* Leverage HR systems, automation and technology to enhance accuracy and service delivery.
* Continuously improve the candidate and employee experience.
* Produce monthly HR operations reports and dashboards.
* Analyse trends and proactively address recurring themes or risk areas.
* Provide insights and recommendations to improve service delivery and compliance.
* Build strong relationships with managers, employees and external stakeholders.
* Provide guidance on HR policies and processes.
* Investigate and resolve escalations professionally and promptly.
What We’re Looking For
* Experience working in a busy HR shared services or HR operations environment.
* Proven management experience within HR, including coaching and mentoring team members.
* Experience implementing processes or systems to ensure legislative compliance (e.g., safer recruitment, DBS, vetting checks) within a multi-site business.
* Experience providing policy and process advice to managers and employees.
* Strong working knowledge or interest in UK employment law and HR best practice.
* Experience using HR systems and workflow/case management tools.
* Advanced Microsoft Office capability.
* Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex, data-heavy processes.
* Excellent prioritisation skills in fast-paced environments.
* Service-centric mindset with a passion for process improvement.
* Analytical, comfortable interpreting HR data and identifying trends.
* Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills.
* Collaborative team player with flexibility and adaptability.
* Externally curious, keeping up to date with HR best practice and employment legislation.
*
If you are an experienced People Services Manager or HR Shared Services Leader ready to lead a high-impact HR function we would love to hear from you.