Job Introduction
HR Operations Manager
Lead people. Shape culture. Deliver impact.
We’re looking for an experienced HR professional who thrives on making things work better — for people, for managers, and for the organisation as a whole.
This is a key leadership role at the heart of our People and Culture function. If you thrive on delivering operational excellence and driving meaningful change in an ambitious organisation, this role could be for you.
What you’ll be doing
As our HR Operations Manager, you’ll lead a dedicated team to deliver high-quality, responsive HR services. Taking ownership of the HR operations function, you’ll drive performance and ensure services run smoothly and efficiently, while playing a key role in shaping how we support and develop our people. Collaborating with HR Business Partners and senior leaders, you’ll:
- Lead and develop the HR Operations team, creating a positive, high-performing environment
- Oversee all employee relations activity, providing expert guidance on complex cases
- Drive continuous improvement in HR processes, policies and systems
- Use data and insight to inform decisions and influence at senior level
- Support the development of confident, self-sufficient line managers
- Ensure everything we do is compliant, consistent and aligned with best practice
This is more than just managing processes — it’s about improving how HR delivers value across the organisation.
What you’ll bring
You’ll be a confident and credible HR professional who can build strong relationships and navigate complexity with ease. We’re particularly interested in people who have:
- Strong generalist HR experience, including employee relations and policy development
- A track record of leading teams and improving services
- Expert knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- The ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders
- Confidence working with data to identify trends and drive improvement
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
Understanding HR governance and decision-making in a public sector or political environment will help you to be successful in this role.
Why choose us?
This is an opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll play a key role in shaping how we support our people and help drive our goal to be a high-performing, forward-thinking organisation. You’ll be joining a collaborative HR team that values:
- Professional expertise
- Continuous improvement
- Open, supportive working relationships
- A genuine focus on people and culture
Find out more
If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply so you can tell us why you'd be a great fit. There’s more information for you in the job description.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Bianca Dunthorne HR Business Partner on Bianca.dunthorne@westofengland-ca.gov.uk
The closing date for this role is Sunday 19 April 2026. Please don’t wait to start your application as depending on the numbers of applications we may need to close the role earlier. If you’ve started your application, we’ll be able to give you notice of the new closing date by email.
The interviews are planned to be held on Thursday 30 April and Friday 1st May at our offices at 70 Redcliff St, Bristol. BS1 6AL, but please note the dates may change.
About the Company
Our Offer
Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
- 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
- Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
- Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England
The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
The salary for this role is £52,413 - £55,722. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.
Good Employment Charter
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.
From a recruitment agency? We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.
