Vacancy Information
Hourly rate of pay: £30.02 - £33.79
Days and Hours of Work:
Monday - Friday
Starting and finishing times are flexible, and flexi time is applicable.
To start 1st July 2027.
We’re looking for an HR Operations Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the Council’s people agenda.
As part of our HR team, you will lead the operational delivery of HR services, ensuring consistent application of HR policies and procedures, and providing expert guidance across a wide range of employee relations matters. You’ll work closely with managers and colleagues to promote positive employee engagement, support organisational change, and ensure the Council meets its statutory and governance responsibilities.
What you’ll do
* Lead and manage the HR operations team to deliver an effective, customer focused HR service
* Ensure consistent application of HR policies, procedures and best practice
* Oversee complex employee relations casework, providing advice that mitigates organisational risk
* Support workforce planning, change processes and service improvement initiatives
* Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of HR systems and processes
You will have
* Strong experience in employee relations
* Confidence in advising managers on complex HR issues
* Excellent knowledge of employment law, HR policy, and good practice
* A collaborative approach with strong communication and influencing skills
* Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies which can be found here. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview.
Please Note:
All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
Job Details
To lead and modernise the Council’s HR Operations service, ensuring a high-performing and customer-centred HR function. The role provides operational leadership across employee relations, policy development, and people management.
You will contribute to the integration of AI-enabled tools and automation to improve service quality, enhance workforce experience and support organisational transformation.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.
Job Requirements
Relevant Qualifications
Degree level qualification or equivalent in an appropriate subject e.g. HR Management or extensive experience at senior level within and HR function.
Evidence of a strong commitment to CPD.
Level 1 Disclosure Clearance
This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to allow access to the Public Sector Network. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement.
Please note:
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Information
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link:
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link .
If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk
Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.