Bauer Media Group
Head of People Operations UK
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Head of People Operations (UK)
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, and global teams such as People Technology, People Data and Analytics, Talent, Total Rewards, and Performance Management.
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 with a global-local balance.
- Collaborate with peers to share best practices and harmonise processes where possible.
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Leadership and Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop the People Operations team to deliver high-quality, service-oriented support.
- Directly manage:
- HR Ops Manager
- Payroll & Benefits Manager
- 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
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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 includes:
- Print and online publishing
- Audio broadcasting and entertainment
- Investments in other media-related sectors
With over 500 million copies sold annually, we are one of Europe’s largest Publishers. Our brands span women’s and celebrities’ magazines to TV listings, food, and special interest publications, both digitally and in print.
Additionally, our 150+ radio and podcast brands reach over 61 million listeners weekly across nine countries in Europe. As a family-owned, 5th-generation business, we maintain a long-term consumer-first mindset.
Our 12,000-strong workforce shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people’s everyday lives.
What’s in It for You?
- 28 days holiday + bank holidays + 2 Volunteer Days
- Access to Bauer Academy for internal training and development.
- Enhanced Maternity/Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave Pay.
- Opportunities for flexible working.
- A full range of benefits available here.
We are an international employer and equal opportunities champion. We welcome everyone’s uniqueness, crafting inclusive environments regardless of religion, gender, skin color, or disability.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you have a disability or long-term health condition and need reasonable adjustments during any recruitment stage, please contact careershub@bauermedia.co.uk.
The job advert may close earlier than expected. If you have any feedback regarding our recruitment process, kindly email careershub@bauermedia.co.uk.
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