About the role
The HR & Operations Manager is responsible for delivering a high-quality HR service across the organisation, supporting effective people management, compliance, and a positive employee experience.
The role is primarily HR-focused, with responsibility for overseeing the smooth day-to-day running of office operations. Working collaboratively with administrative and finance colleagues, you will help ensure efficient organisational processes and effective operational support.
You will also lead the ongoing development and improvement of HR policies, systems, and processes, contributing to an effective, compliant, and positive working environment.
About you
You are an experienced HR professional with a hands-on, generalist background and a strong understanding of employment law and HR best practice. Confident managing the full employee lifecycle and employee relations casework, you provide practical, trusted advice to managers and colleagues.
Highly organised and proactive, you can manage competing priorities, work independently, and identify opportunities to improve processes and ways of working. You are equally comfortable supporting day-to-day office operations, working collaboratively to ensure the organisation runs smoothly.
With excellent communication skills and a professional, approachable manner, you’re a proactive and reliable team player with a genuine commitment to the mission of Clan Childlaw.
About Clan Childlaw
Clan wants a Scotland where all children and young people’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. For that to happen, Scotland has to be a place where all children and young people can stand up for their rights. That means we work to ensure children and young people have:
- Lawyers that are experts in working with children
- People around them who can enable them to use their rights and amplify their voices
- Respect as rights-holders, who are entitled to hold duty-bearers to account if their rights are not fulfilled.
JOB DESCRIPTION: HR & OPERATIONS MANAGER
ROLE DESCRIPTION
PURPOSE
To deliver a high-quality, hands-on HR service across the organisation, ensuring effective people management, compliance, and support to managers and staff.
The role is primarily HR-focused, with responsibility for overseeing office operations to ensure the organisation runs efficiently on a day-to-day basis. The postholder will be supported by administrative and finance colleagues to ensure a collaborative approach to operational responsibilities.
The role also includes contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of HR practices, systems, and processes, supporting a positive and effective working environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. HR Delivery & Casework (Core Focus)
- Manage the full employee lifecycle (recruitment, onboarding, development, exit)
- Provide practical advice and support to managers on:
- Employee relations (disciplinary, grievance, absence)
- HR policies and procedures
- Lead on HR casework, ensuring fair and consistent application
- Maintain accurate and compliant HR records
2. Continuous Improvement & Practice Development
- Review and update HR policies in line with best practice and legislation
- Identify areas for improvement in systems, processes, and ways of working
- Support the development of consistent and effective people practices
- Contribute to initiatives that enhance staff experience, wellbeing, and engagement
Note: This role contributes to improvement rather than owning organisational strategy
3. Office & Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the office and working environment
- Manage suppliers, facilities, and office systems
- Ensure compliance with health & safety and workplace requirements
- Work in collaboration with administrative and finance colleagues to support operational delivery
4. Compliance & Governance Support
- Ensure HR practices comply with employment law and organisational policies
- Support safer recruitment processes (including PVG where relevant)
- Maintain documentation to support audit, funding, and governance requirements
5. Organisational Support
- Provide input to senior colleagues on workforce and operational issues
- Support implementation of organisational changes
- Contribute to internal communication and staff engagement
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Experience
- Proven experience in a generalist HR role, managing the full employee lifecycle
- Demonstrable experience handling employee relations casework (disciplinary, grievance, absence)
- Experience providing advice and guidance to managers on HR matters
- Experience maintaining HR systems, records, and processes
- Experience working in a small organisation or standalone HR role (or similar environment)
Knowledge
- Sound knowledge of UK Employment law and HR best practice
- Understanding of HR policies and procedures and how they are applied in practice
- Awareness of GDPR and confidentiality requirements in HR
Skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion
- Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, solutions-focused approach
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of workload
Approach / Behaviours
- Hands-on and delivery-focused
- Proactive – able to identify issues and take action
- Collaborative and supportive in working with managers and colleagues
- Commitment to a positive, inclusive workplace culture
Desirable Criteria
Experience
- Experience of reviewing or improving HR policies, systems, or processes
- Experience working within the charity, public, or regulated sector
- Experience supporting organisational change or service development
- Experience with office or facilities management responsibilities
Qualifications
- CIPD Level 5 (or working towards), or equivalent experience
Knowledge
- Understanding of OSCR or charity governance requirements
- Knowledge of safeguarding and PVG scheme processes
- Awareness of health & safety requirements in an office setting
Pay: From £41,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh
