Head of HR Operations

About this role

Job Title: Head of HR Operations
Location: London, Hybrid (up to 3 days per week in office)
Hours: Full Time
Salary: £70k – £85k, dependent on experience
Contract Type: Permanent

Reports To: HR Director
Direct Reports: HR Operations Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, HR Projects Manager, ER Advisor
Indirect Reports: HR Advisor, HR Assistants, Recruitment Advisor
Key Internal Contacts/Relationships: Head of HR Programmes, Programme Directors and Programme Managers, CFO, Finance, UK/HQ Functional Leads, Central support functions, ExCo (as required)
Key External Contacts/Relationships: Suppliers – Benefit providers, HRIS/ATS/Systems, EORs, employment lawyers, screening/vetting provider.
Job Purpose: The Head of HR Operations holds single point accountability for end-to-end workforce execution across the organisation, bringing recruitment, contracting, deployment, employee lifecycle administration into one accountable function. The role ensures HR activity for UK/HQ staff is delivered consistently, at pace and to the required standard, and that HR systems, data, reporting, controls, policies & documentation, services and audit readiness meet organisational and regulatory requirements. In addition, the role works with the team to deliver efficient and effective people services and identifies and implements appropriate process improvements as agreed.
About HALO:
HALO is the leading global NGO addressing the impact and drivers of conflict in 30 countries and territories, with over 8,000 staff. Most of our staff are local employees and include a growing number of women.
Our primary duty is to serve people affected by conflict, clearing landmines and the explosive remnants of war that threaten lives and livelihoods long after fighting has finished. We make land safe where war has ended, while also assisting those affected by active conflict and endemic violence.
HALO addresses human suffering caused by armed violence in some of the world’s most fragile places, securing weapons and ammunition and working with both state and community actors to reduce the prevalence of armed violence.
About the role:
The role operates through defined HR service ownership and process authority. Programme-level people partnership, judgement and accountability sit with programme leadership and are supported by the Head of HR Programmes role. The Head of HR Operations enables these arrangements through robust policies, processes, systems and data, operating within agreed organisational governance.
Responsibilities:
HR Operations and Service Delivery:

• Build and maintain a high-quality, dependable HR operations service with clear service standards and accountability.

• Ensure UK employee relations processes are supported by timely, accurate and well-managed operational handling, including case administration, documentation and escalation to legal counsel as appropriate.

• Own the accurate and timely administration of all employee contracts, benefits and insurance arrangements, ensuring eligibility, enrolment and changes, including starter/mover/leaver controls are correctly applied and auditable.

• Lead HR Operations through capability building, process discipline and service design.

• Drive the continual development of HR operational services, systems and controls to support a high-quality, resilient and scalable HR function.
Policy, Compliance & ER:

• Establish and enforce clear HR decision-making authorities and approval thresholds, ensuring HR actions are taken within delegated limits and appropriately documented.

• Ensure contractual terms are accurate, authorised and aligned with HALO policies and procedures, funding constraints and delegated budget holder authority.

• Ensure HR policies, contracts and processes comply with legal and regulatory requirements and support organisational needs.

• Develop and operate a risk-based HR assurance programme, undertaking periodic reviews of HR controls, records, recruitment, employment practices and compliance across programmes and departments, and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
HR Systems, Data and Reporting:

• Own the HR systems roadmap, architecture and delivery in partnership with ICT and relevant enabling teams.

• Establish strong HR data governance, ensuring accuracy, integrity and usability of workforce data.

• Deliver reliable HR reporting and metrics to support strategic decision-making and risk oversight.

• Manage and report on agreed SLAs and KPIs.
Reward and Core People Processes:

• Own the operational delivery of reward processes, including salary reviews and benefits renewals.

• Ensure consistency, fairness and compliance in reward administration.

• Ensure sickness absence and sick pay are administered accurately, consistently and in line with policy, with clear tracking and timely intervention.
Talent Acquisition Governance and Workforce Planning:

• Ensure talent acquisition (TA) processes, approvals and controls are consistently applied and aligned to approved workforce plans and organisational requirements.

• Oversee TA performance, external recruitment providers and associated risks, ensuring hiring activity is compliant, cost effective and timely.

• Ensure TA data, approvals, suppliers and audit trails are robust, consistent and decision ready.
Talent, Performance and Development:

• Deliver all performance & talent processes, ensuring consistent and timely application across all functions, and reporting on outcomes.

• Ensure organisational processes for talent identification, succession planning, appraisal, 360 feedback, learning and development are supported by appropriate systems, guidance and reporting.

• Provide workforce reporting and insights on talent, performance, engagement and development to support decision-making and risk oversight.
Working with HR Programmes:

• Provide HR Programmes with clear policies, procedures, guidance and reliable data, ensuring policy intent, process requirements and operational…