People Operations Manager

About The Courtauld 

The Courtauld is a world-renowned centre for the study of art history, combining exceptional teaching and research with one of the UK’s leading public art galleries. Founded in the 1930s, it is home to the UK’s largest community of art historians and conservators, offering internationally recognised education programmes and caring for an outstanding collection that includes masterpieces by Van Gogh, Manet and other celebrated artists. Driven by a belief that art should be accessible to all, the Courtauld inspires new audiences through exhibitions, events, education and community programmes, helping people better understand and engage with the visual world. 

People Operations Manager 

We're looking for a People Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery of People Services across the Courtauld. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and enhance our people systems, data, payroll, service delivery and operational governance, ensuring colleagues receive an exceptional and seamless experience throughout their employment journey. 

Working closely with the Head of People and People Partners, you'll play a key role in driving operational excellence, digital innovation and continuous improvement across the People function. You'll lead on workforce analytics, HR systems development, payroll governance and service delivery, while providing expert operational leadership that helps inform strategic decision-making across the organisation. You will also act as Deputy to the Head of People and contribute to building a diverse, inclusive and people-centred workplace. 

Role Details 

Permanent | Full-time, 35 hours per week | Hybrid Working | Grade 7, £52,947 - £60,658 per annum including London Allowance  

What We're Looking For 

We are looking for an experienced People Operations leader who can combine operational excellence with strategic thinking. You'll bring extensive experience of HR systems, people data, payroll and service delivery, with the ability to improve processes, implement technology solutions and drive organisational performance. 

The successful candidate will bring: 

• Significant experience leading HR operations within a complex organisation. 
• Expertise in HR systems management, optimisation and implementation of projects. 
• Strong understanding of workforce data, reporting, analytics and governance. 
• Experience managing payroll operations and working with outsourced payroll providers.
• A proven track record of improving operational processes and service delivery.
• Strong leadership experience with a customer-focused approach.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within the higher education, arts, cultural, charity or not-for-profit sectors would be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the operational delivery of People Services, ensuring a responsive, efficient and customer-focused service.  
• Manage and enhance the People Services service desk, driving service standards, KPIs and continuous improvement. 
• Lead the development, optimisation and governance of the People System (currently iTrent).  
• Oversee workforce reporting, people data governance and organisational analytics.  
• Act as the lead HR contact for payroll operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy.  
• Drive digital transformation and process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and employee experience. 
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, GDPR, sector regulations and organisational policies.   
• Support organisational change programmes and strategic people initiatives.  
• Deputise for the Head of People and provide leadership across the People function when required.   
• Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and excellent people practices across the Courtauld.

Closing date: 7th September 2026  
First round interview date: 17th September 2026 (online) 

For any questions regarding the role, please contact peoplequeries@courtauld.ac.uk. 

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