Job Purpose
The Head of People Operations is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and delivery of People Services (administration) and Payroll for the UK, ensuring operational excellence across multiple Lines of Business (LoBs). This role focuses on continuously improving processes, systems, and employee experience while maintaining compliance and efficiency.
As part of the Global People Operations Leadership Team — alongside other Heads of People Operations, the People Technology Director, and the People Data and Analytics Senior Manager — this position plays a key role in shaping and executing the global operations strategy locally. Key stakeholders include Country and LoB People Business Partners/Directors, Finance and Procurement teams, as well as the People Technology, People Data and Analytics, Talent, Total Rewards, and Performance Management teams.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Oversee the end-to-end delivery of People Services for the UK, including administrative activities, payroll, and related processes.
Ensure operational processes are documented, efficient, compliant with local regulations, and aligned with global standards.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and employee experience.
Payroll and People Services
Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees.
Maintain compliance with local tax, employment, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee People administration activities, including employee lifecycle transactions and benefits coordination.
Process Optimisation and Continuous Improvement
Identify and implement opportunities to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency at a global level with a local lens.
Collaborate with peers to share best practices and harmonise processes where possible.
Leadership and Team Development
Lead, coach, and develop the People Operations team to deliver high-quality, service-oriented support.
Directly manage a HR Ops Manager, a Payroll & Benefits Manager, and a HR Program and Project Manager.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement
Act as the primary operational contact for Country and LoB People Business Partners/Directors.
Partner with Finance, Procurement, and global People teams (Talent, Total Rewards, Performance Management, People Technology and People Data and Analytics) to ensure alignment and effective service delivery.
Serve as the escalation point for operational People issues.
Projects and Change Management
Lead or contribute to country-level and global People transformation initiatives.
Support implementation of new systems, processes, and policies to improve operational effectiveness.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
Proven experience managing People operations and payroll in a complex, multi-LoB environment.
Strong knowledge of HRIS systems (SuccessFactors preferred), payroll, and compliance requirements.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred:
Experience in a fast-paced, matrixed organisation.
Previous involvement in People transformation or process improvement projects.
Key Competencies
Operational Excellence
Leadership and People Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Continuous Improvement
Data-Driven Decision Making
Change Management
Locations
London or Peterborough (UK)
Start date
As soon as possible
About Bauer Media Group
We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offering extends from print and online publishing to audio broadcasting and entertainment, alongside investments in other media related sectors. With more than 500 million copies sold each year, we are one of Europe’s largest Publishers. From women’s and celebrities’ magazines to TV listings to food and special interest, we own some of the most popular publishing brands in Germany, UK, Poland and France – both digital and print. But not only that. Reaching over 61 million listeners weekly, we operate over 150 radio and podcast brands in nine countries, spanning the UK, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Portugal. Family-owned in the 5th generation, Bauer Media focuses on the long-term, with a consumer-first mindset that guides us across our diverse portfolio. Our workforce of 12,000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people‘s everyday lives.
What’s in it for you
You’ll have 28 days holiday, bank holidays & 2 volunteer days to use.
Your development matters, so access to our internal training provider – Bauer Academy, is a huge win.
We have enhanced Maternity/Adoption, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave Pay.
You’ll have the opportunity for flexible working.
And much more! Find the full details of our benefits here
We are an international employer and equal opportunities are important to us. That's why we welcome everyone in their uniqueness, regardless of e.g. religion, gender, skin color, disability in our house.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or a long term health condition, and need us to make any reasonable adjustments or do anything differently during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing
[email protected]
We are actively recruiting for this position, however, the job advert may close earlier than expected.
If you have any feedback regarding our UK recruitment process, please email
[email protected] we would love to hear from you.
Date Job Posting Last Updated: 29 Jun 2026
Location:
Peterborough, GB, PE2 6EA London, GB, NW1 2PL
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Req ID: 3738
