Lead the services that underpin every quality employee experience
At Tower Hamlets, we know that exceptional employee experiences are built on outstanding operational foundations and brilliant basics.
We are looking for an experienced HR Operations Team Manager to lead and modernise our HR operations service, ensuring the delivery of efficient, compliant and customer-focused support across the entire employee lifecycle.
You'll play a critical role in professionalising HR operations, improving processes, workflows, strengthening data quality and enabling a high performing HR & OD function.
What you'll do
- Lead the HR Operations team delivering services across the employee lifecycle.
- Drive service excellence, compliance and operational efficiency.
- Improve and modernise HR processes, systems and ways of working.
- Ensure accurate employee records and high-quality workforce data.
- Design and deliver standard operating procedures and quality templates for all HR transactions.
- Develop service standards, KPIs and operational performance measures.
- Support organisational change, restructures and workforce transformation activity.
- Work collaboratively with HR Business Partners, Recruitment, Employee Relations and managers across the Council.
- Deliver an excellent manager and employee experience through responsive, customer-focused services.
What we're looking for
You will be an operational HR leader who combines strong technical expertise with a passion for service improvement, compliance and consistency.
You will bring:
- Significant experience leading HR operations or HR service delivery.
- Strong knowledge of HR information systems, employee lifecycle processes and workforce data.
- Experience improving processes and driving operational excellence.
- Strong leadership and people management capability.
- Excellent stakeholder management and customer service skills.
- The ability to balance operational delivery with continuous improvement.
- A commitment to accuracy, compliance and service quality.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to:
- Lead a critical service supporting over 5,000 employees.
- Drive service improvement and modernisation.
- Help build a high-performing HR & OD function.
- Be part of a new leadership team shaping the future of people services in Tower Hamlets.
Help us create a modern HR and OD service that enables people to do their best work every day.
Our Benefits
Competitive salary- £58,551- £61,686
Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.
Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.
Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.
As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.
