Job Summary

The HR Operations Manager is responsible for leading and managing all HR operational activities within a social care organisation. This role ensures that HR processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s mission of delivering high-quality care services. The role focuses on workforce planning, employee relations, compliance, safeguarding standards, recruitment support, and creating a positive employee experience for staff working in care environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Operations & Workforce Management

Oversee day-to-day HR operations including onboarding, contracts, probation reviews, absence management, payroll coordination, and offboarding
Ensure staffing structures support safe and effective delivery of care services
Manage workforce planning to address recruitment needs, retention, and shift-based staffing demands
Maintain accurate employee records, qualifications, and training compliance

2. Compliance & Regulatory Standards

Ensure compliance with employment legislation, health & safety regulations, and sector-specific standards
Support compliance with safeguarding, vetting/background checks, and mandatory training requirements
Prepare for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews
Ensure policies and procedures reflect current legislation and best practice

3. Recruitment & Retention

Support recruitment campaigns for carers, support workers, nurses, and management staff
Improve onboarding processes to help new employees settle quickly and effectively
Develop retention initiatives to reduce turnover in frontline care roles
Promote employer branding and values-based recruitment practices

4. Employee Relations & Wellbeing

Manage employee relations matters including grievances, disciplinaries, investigations, and performance issues
Provide guidance to managers on people management matters
Promote employee wellbeing initiatives to support staff in demanding care roles
Foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace culture

5. Learning & Development

Coordinate training compliance including safeguarding, manual handling, medication management, and other mandatory programs
Support leadership development for supervisors and care managers
Identify skills gaps and succession planning opportunities

6. HR Systems & Reporting

Oversee HR systems and ensure data accuracy
Produce reports on turnover, absence, vacancies, training compliance, and workforce trends
Use HR data to support strategic decision-making and service improvement

7. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Lead and develop the HR administration/operations team
Partner with senior leadership, service managers, finance, and external agencies
Build positive relationships with unions, regulators, and external training providers where relevant

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
5+ years of HR experience, ideally within healthcare, social care, or other regulated environments
Strong knowledge of employment law and employee relations
Experience managing HR operations and leading teams

Key Skills

Knowledge of social care workforce challenges and staffing models
Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills
Compliance and regulatory awareness
Compassionate leadership and emotional intelligence
Excellent organization and multitasking skills
Data reporting and HR systems knowledge
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications

CIPD qualification or equivalent HR certification
Experience in residential care, home care, disability services, or healthcare settings
Knowledge of safeguarding and regulatory frameworks in care services

HR Operations Manager

Job Description