Role Purpose

The Interim HR Operations Manager will provide senior-level operational leadership across the HR Operations service, with a particular focus on stabilising, developing and embedding the Reward function during a period of organisational transition.

The role will ensure high-quality delivery of core HR operational services, lead continuous improvement activity, and strengthen service-wide processes, systems and governance. The post-holder will manage and develop the Pay & Reward team, oversee establishment-management processes, and work collaboratively across HR to support effective, consistent, and efficient people management practices.

This interim role is critical in supporting organisational readiness for the Total Pay & Reward Programme, ensuring interdependencies are managed and that BAU service quality is maintained.

Key Results Areas & Accountabilities

1. HR Operations Leadership (Service-Wide)

• Provide senior-level operational support across HR Operations, contributing to the delivery of a cohesive, customer-focused HR service.
• Lead service-wide improvement activity, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, reduce silos, and build consistency in ways of working.
• Provide expertise in HR operations process redesign, working with colleagues across the organisation to simplify workflows and improve digital enablement.
• Support the Head of HR Operations with operational oversight, risk identification, service prioritisation, and management of cross-cutting issues.

2. Reward, Recognition & Establishment Management

• Lead the Pay & Reward team to deliver an effective, professional and responsive reward service.
• Oversee a robust job evaluation process ensuring fairness, consistency and compliance with Council policy.
• Maintain up-to-date approaches to reward, benefits and recognition, keeping strategies under review to support attraction and retention.
• Manage the day-to-day delivery, communication and marketing of staff benefit schemes.
• Oversee the establishment control framework in partnership with HR and Finance colleagues, ensuring high-quality data, governance and reporting.
• Lead the allowance request and approval processes, ensuring transparency, risk monitoring and appropriate escalation where needed.
• Commission or procure external reward or benchmarking support when required, ensuring compliance with procurement and corporate policies.

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance.