People Operations Lead - PE Backed Events Firm

People Operations Lead - PE Backed Events FirmHawkwood is partnering with a growing, PE-backed media and events business to hire a People Operations Lead.This is an opportunity to take ownership of People Operations within a business that is continuing to grow through both organic expansion and acquisitions.Working closely with the Head of HR, you'll play a key role in modernising the company's People processes, improving HR systems and introducing new technology, including AI and automation, to make the function more efficient and scalable.Alongside managing a small HR Administration team, you'll have the opportunity to take real ownership of how People Operations is delivered, from streamlining onboarding and induction through to improving employee lifecycle processes and integrating newly acquired businesses.Key ResponsibilitiesTake ownership of HR systems and technology, identifying opportunities to improve functionality, streamline workflows and increase adoption across the business.Lead the introduction and development of AI tools and automation within People Operations, reducing manual administration and improving the employee experience.Review and redesign core People processes, including onboarding, induction, employee changes and offboarding, ensuring they are efficient, consistent and scalable.Develop and improve the use of the company's HRIS, HiBob, ensuring accurate employee data, effective reporting and greater use of employee and manager self-service functionality.Lead and develop a team of two HR Administrators, establishing clear processes and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality operational service.Work closely with the Head of HR to identify opportunities for process improvement across the wider employee lifecycle, including annual compensation reviews.Support the integration of acquired businesses, aligning their People processes, systems and policies with the wider organisation.Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business, encouraging the adoption of new systems and ways of working.Maintain oversight of HR compliance, employee documentation, benefits administration and operational governance.What We're Looking ForStrong experience within People Operations, HR Operations or HR Shared Services, ideally including responsibility for managing a small team.Demonstrable experience improving HR processes and developing more efficient ways of working across the employee lifecycle.Strong HRIS capability, with experience implementing, optimising or managing HR systems. Experience with HiBob would be beneficial but isn't essential.A genuine interest in AI, automation and emerging HR technology, ideally with experience introducing new tools or digital workflows.Experience improving onboarding, induction and other high-volume People processes.The ability to balance hands-on operational responsibilities with longer-term systems and process improvement projects.Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge existing approaches and encourage the adoption of new processes.Experience supporting M&A integration would be advantageous, alongside a good understanding of UK employment legislation.This could be a great opportunity for someone who enjoys the systems, technology and process improvement side of People Operations, and wants the autonomy to make meaningful changes to how a growing business operates.A note on Applicant ExperienceWe recognise how challenging this current job market is for candidates, and Hawkwood are therefore striving to provide the best candidate experience we can.If you are interested in this opportunity, we kindly request that you apply via this LinkedIn advert, as opposed to sending us an email or LinkedIn direct message. We are eager to ensure that each candidate application is considered fairly, and receives a consistent experience.Unfortunately, we cannot ensure this standard if you inquire about a role via email or LinkedIn message, as it falls outside of our established process.