Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and detail-driven HR Operations Manager to lead the delivery of payroll, HR administration, and core operational processes across the employee lifecycle. This role is central to maintaining accurate and compliant HR data, ensuring employees are paid correctly, and enabling the smooth execution of HR processes across the business.


The ideal candidate is highly organised, process-oriented, and comfortable managing third-party vendors, internal stakeholders, and a small team, where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management

Oversee the end-to-end payroll process for Europe, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery in partnership with payroll providers and Finance. Manage data collection, validation, and submission for each payroll cycle (including starters, leavers, variable pay, and deductions). Lead year-end processes such as P11Ds, P60s, and bonus/compensation data review. Act as the main point of contact for employee payroll queries, resolving discrepancies promptly. Ensure compliance with tax, pensions, and statutory reporting obligations.

HR Administration & Compliance

Oversee accurate and timely administration of employee lifecycle processes (contracts, onboarding, changes, leavers). Ensure HR data is maintained and updated in the HRIS and related systems (e.g., job titles, salaries, benefits, reporting lines). Own the preparation and issuance of HR documentation, including contracts, letters, and policy updates. Maintain and audit employee files and records in line with data protection requirements (GDPR). Embed internal controls, audit trails, and governance into operational activity.

HR Process Management & Improvement

Manage core cyclical processes such as right-to-work checks, probation tracking, and reference requests. Support and improve operational delivery of performance management, benefits enrolment, and compensation review cycles. Identify and implement process improvements, system automation opportunities, and policy updates. Develop and monitor service level standards (e.g., onboarding timelines, response times).

Leadership

Provide coaching and quality control on transactional HR activity. Foster a service-oriented, continuous improvement mindset within the HR operations function.

Key Skills & Experience

7+ years' hospitality experience in a leadership role within HR Operations, HR Services, or Payroll, ideally in a fast-paced EMEA or global environment. Strong working knowledge of payroll, employment legislation, and HR compliance requirements. Experience using and optimising HR systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, BambooHR, PeopleXD). Excellent attention to detail, numerical accuracy, and process discipline. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Desirable

Experience with international payroll or HR administration (e.g., EMEA or global). Familiarity with HR process mapping or continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma). * CIPD qualification or equivalent is advantageous.