HR Operations Manager

Job Introduction

Together, we’re delivering the future together and becoming an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. To achieve our goals, we need to transform how we work by redesigning our organisational structure, so we’re set up for success and sustainability in the future.

Our HR & Cultural Change service is at the start of its journey, to fundamentally change how it works to deliver the Our People and Culture Strategy, helping to make sure the organisation is well-equipped to respond to opportunities and challenges, now and in the future.

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council is on an ambitious journey of transformation, and our HR & Cultural Change service is at the heart of it. Through our “Delivering the Future Together” programme, we are reimagining how we work to become an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. We are committed to building a culture that is inclusive, innovative, and people-centred—one that dares to do things differently and puts our values into action every day.

About You

You are an experienced HR leader with a strong operational background and a passion for service excellence. You understand the power of technology and data in transforming HR services, and you are skilled at designing and delivering efficient, user-friendly systems and processes. You are a natural collaborator who thrives in a matrix environment, and you are confident in leading teams through change and continuous improvement.

You bring a strategic mindset and a hands-on approach, with the ability to manage complex projects and deliver results. You are a clear communicator, a skilled influencer, and a trusted advisor to senior leaders. You are also a people-first leader who values inclusion, development, and wellbeing, and you know how to build high-performing teams that deliver with purpose and pride.

About the Role

As HR Operations Manager, you will lead a large and dynamic team responsible for delivering core HR services across the Council. This includes everything from recruitment and onboarding to HR systems, data and analytics, and first-line HR support. You will be instrumental in shaping and implementing our HR shared services model, ensuring that our processes are streamlined, accessible, and designed with the user in mind.

You will lead the development of our self-service strategy, making the most of digital tools and platforms to empower colleagues and improve the employee experience. You will also oversee the management of our HR systems and contracts, ensuring value for money and alignment with organisational goals.

In this role, you will be a key member of the HR & Cultural Change Senior Management Team, contributing to strategic planning and service development. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to embed the Our People and Culture strategy, support workforce planning, and drive transformation across the organisation.

This is a role for a forward-thinking leader who is ready to make a real impact. You will be at the forefront of shaping how HR operates at Oxfordshire County Council, helping us to deliver excellent services to our residents and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Following our service redesign, the new HR & Cultural Change operating model ensures everyone has clarity on their role and remit, while reinforcing a ‘one team’ ethos. This is an exciting time to join us, as we take the next steps in our service together. 

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working 
• Technology to support agile working
• 30 days’ holiday p.a. plus bank holidays 
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk