UNISON’s HR team are looking for an HR Operations Manager to lead a key administration team and project that will create an HR Shared Service function. This isn’t just about systems, it’s about improving internal and external customer experiences, and streamlining processes for long-term impact.

About this job

You’ll lead a full redesign of our in-house administration practices and workflows, including implementing a Shared Service technology solution to deliver an improved customer experience and internal processes. Managing a small team of administrators and collaborating with other key HR stakeholders, sound leadership and communication skills will be key to success.

Your focus will include:

• End to end review of all HR administrative processes across all stages of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment and onboarding.
• Implementation of an HR help desk technology solution / HR service management system.
• Streamlining administration to support better, faster and more focused SLA’s.
• Creating measurable data sets and reports to allow for practical solutions to be developed in line with organisational needs and trends.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to co-create lasting change.
• Developing clear, practical tools to assist with training others and creating self-service solutions.

This is both an operational and strategic role with hands-on delivery and real, evidencable impact.

About you

We’re looking for someone with strong HR process expertise, gained from a Shared Service environment. A collaborative mindset and experience driving change, you should be confident working with data, influencing stakeholders, and navigating complexity with a practical, solution-focused approach.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience leading and managing in an HR Shared Service function.
• A track record of improving processes and delivering change.
• Excellent stakeholder skills, especially with senior leaders, managers and union reps.
• The ability to use data to inform strategy.
• Knowledge of HR help desk technology solutions / HR service management systems.
• A values-led, adaptable and proactive working style.
• Patience and adaptability to work within traditional or evolving structures, and an understanding that change often involves many voices and perspectives.
• Experience working with trade union representatives, ideally in a not-for-profit or similar environments (desirable).

A full job description and person specification can be found attached below.

About UNISON

UNISON is the UK’s leading public services trade union, with over 1.3 million members working in the public sector, private, voluntary and community sectors and in the energy services. We employ approximately 1,200 staff, with around 370 at our national centre in Euston in central London and the remainder in our 12 regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

UNISON is a dynamic, progressive union, committed to equality. We encourage men and women of all ages, Black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to work with us.