People Operations Lead

People Operations Lead

Role Summary

Sanderson is partnering with its international client who operate across multiple jurisdictions who are committed to delivering high-quality outcomes through strong operational capability and continuous improvement. We are seeking a People Operations Leader to drive HR operational delivery across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. You will oversee a team across multiple locations, ensuring operational excellence, robust compliance and consistent employee experience. This is a hands-on leadership role combining people management, process optimisation, and data-driven decision making across the employee lifecycle.

Hybrid 3 days in office and 2 days wfh, with regular travel to the UK expected

Responsibilities

Team leadership and stakeholder engagement

• Lead and develop a high-performing People Operations team across Ireland and the UK
• Partner with HR Business Partners and key stakeholders to align operational HR with broader strategic priorities
• Strengthen delivery models through cross-training, resource planning, and workload management

Governance, compliance and data integrity

• Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and relevant EU directives across jurisdictions
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready HR data and payroll-related processes
• Drive improvements in reporting capability and data governance

Process improvement and operational excellence

• Lead process standardisation and simplification across HR operations
• Identify inefficiencies and implement data-led solutions
• Drive adoption and improvement of HR systems and digital tools

Employee lifecycle and experience

• Oversee onboarding, offboarding, and reward administration processes
• Support employee relations activity across a distributed workforce
• Promote a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and high service standards

Experience required

• 5+ years' experience leading HR operations in a multi-site, multi-jurisdiction environment
• Strong track record in HR service delivery, process improvement, and data integrity
• Experience with HR systems, reporting, payroll data, and compliance frameworks
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive operational outcomes

Desirable

• Background in construction, engineering, or complex professional services
• Experience in continuous improvement, process mapping, or RACI frameworks
• Exposure to HRIS or payroll transformation programmes
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification
• Training in employment law, GDPR, or HR analytics

Qualifications

• Degree in HR, business, or related field
• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent postgraduate qualification