People Operations Lead

We are looking for an experienced, proactive and highly organised People Operations expert to lead the delivery of exceptional People & Culture services across Ravensbourne University.

Across higher education and beyond, organisations are being challenged to think differently, work differently and embrace new possibilities. At Ravensbourne University London, we’re responding with ambition, creativity and a bold vision for the future of work.

We’re not simply recruiting into a vacancy. We’re building a new People & Culture team that will shape organisational culture, influence strategic decision‑making, support leaders through change and create exceptional experiences for our people.

This is a unique opportunity to join us at a transformational moment. With a new People Strategy, an evolving organisational vision and a commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do, we’re looking for experienced HR professionals who are ready to make a genuine impact.

As a key member of the People & Culture team, you will work closely with colleagues across the University, providing expertise, leadership and continuous improvement to help create an outstanding employee experience.

As People Operations Lead, you will:

• Lead and develop a high-performing People Operations team.
• Oversee recruitment administration, onboarding, contracts, employee changes and leaver processes.
• Manage payroll preparation and quality assurance activities.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, Right to Work requirements, UKVI sponsorship, safeguarding and DBS obligations.
• Lead employee benefits administration and workforce data management.
• Oversee reporting, statutory returns and management information, including HESA submissions.
• Partner with Finance, Payroll, IT and People colleagues to improve systems, processes and service delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement through technology, automation and best practice.

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience in HR Operations, People Services or Employee Services.
• A track record of leading and developing teams.
• Strong knowledge of payroll, HR administration and employment legislation.
• Experience managing HR systems, workforce data and reporting.
• Knowledge of Right to Work, UKVI, safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset and commitment to exceptional service delivery.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.

Why Join Ravensbourne?

This is more than a senior HR role. It’s a chance to help create a modern People & Culture function that is:

• Bold enough to challenge convention
• Human in its approach
• Data-informed and insight-led
• Committed to inclusion and belonging
• Focused on delivering exceptional employee experiences

You’ll be joining a university that is creative, ambitious and values-driven, where culture is built through everyday interactions, meaningful relationships and a shared commitment to excellence.

If you’re an experienced people professional who thrives on challenge, enjoys building trusted relationships, embraces innovation and wants to help shape the future of People & Culture in higher education, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Ravensbourne and help us build something exceptional.

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