This is a high-impact leadership position where you’ll oversee HR Operations, ensuring best-in-class service delivery across recruitment, talent acquisition, immigration, compliance and core HR processes. You’ll lead a talented team and drive continuous improvement, innovation and operational excellence across the function.
Our people are at the heart of Aston’s ambitious 2030 Strategy, and we are committed to becoming the Best Place to Work. We are now seeking an exceptional Head of HR Operations to play a critical leadership role in delivering our People Strategy and shaping the future of HR across the University.
Location: Aston University, Birmingham, B4
Contract: 3 months Initially with a potential to stay permanent
Payrate: £25.79 up to £30.77
Hybrid: 2- or 3-days office based with Wednesday being the main day.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Lead the delivery of HR Operations aligned to Aston’s 2030 and People Strategy
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, governance, and regulatory requirements
- Identify and mitigate operational and compliance risks
Operational Excellence & Transformation
- Drive continuous improvement across recruitment, onboarding, HR operations and immigration
- Lead HR transformation initiatives, enhancing systems, automation and self-service capabilities
- Champion innovation, including the use of AI and data-driven decision-making
Data, Reporting & Performance
- Lead development of HR operational metrics, KPIs and dashboards
- Analyse recruitment, immigration and HR data to inform strategy and performance
- Provide insight and reporting to senior leadership, including the CPO and Executive Team
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop three direct reports: Recruitment & Onboarding Manager, HR Operations Manager, and Staff Immigration Manager
- Build a high-performing, inclusive and customer-focused culture
- Support workforce planning, succession and capability development
Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
- Oversee end-to-end recruitment including senior and executive hiring
- Drive a diverse, high-quality talent pipeline and candidate experience
- Manage recruitment suppliers, SLAs and employer branding initiatives
- Partner across HR to support talent development and internal mobility
Immigration & Compliance
- Ensure compliant and efficient immigration processes across the University
- Oversee Right to Work, DBS checks, and visa compliance (UKVI)
- Monitor regulatory changes and evolve processes accordingly
HR Operations Delivery
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle, contracts, payroll inputs and compliance processes
- Lead organisational induction and continuous enhancement initiatives
- Work collaboratively with Reward, Systems and OD teams to deliver joined-up HR solutions
About you
We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking HR leader with a passion for operational excellence and people-centred service delivery.
Essential
- CIPD Level 7 qualified (Chartered) or equivalent experience
- Significant experience leading HR operations in a large or complex organisation
- Strong knowledge of recruitment, talent acquisition and HR processes
- Good understanding of UKVI, immigration compliance, Right to Work and DBS processes
- Proven ability to deliver against KPIs and drive continuous improvement
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills
Desirable
- Experience within Higher Education or a similarly complex environment
- Knowledge of job evaluation frameworks (e.g. HERA)
- Experience in reward and benefits design
- Coaching or leadership qualifications
Why join Aston?
- Be part of an ambitious, values-driven University
- Play a key role in shaping the future of work and HR at Aston
- Work within a collaborative, inclusive and forward-thinking environment
- Enjoy excellent benefits and development opportunities
How to apply
If you’re ready to lead transformative HR operations and help us deliver our 2030 vision, we’d love to hear from you.
