HR Operations Team Lead

Job title: HR Operations Team Lead

Department: Human Resources Directorate

Contract Type: Permanent (Successful candidate must be based in the UK)

Grade: 7

Salary: £43,297 - £50,562.57 (Inclusive of London Allowance)

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 35 hours per week

We are looking for an experienced HR professional to lead and manage the HR Operations function and deliver a high quality employee experience. Reporting to the Recruitment & HR Operations Manager and managing a team of 3, we need a self-starter with initiative, who can “hit the ground running” – to ensure that the HR plans are both in line with the overall SOAS HR strategy and the needs of SOAS.

This is an exciting time to join SOAS as we prepare to launch a new SOAS and People Strategy, and we are looking for someone to take the HR operations service to the next level in delivering these strategies. We have a challenging year ahead to achieve this but with your experience and tenacity you will support both the team and SOAS to achieve outstanding HR processes that provide for statutory and stakeholder objectives and ensure an excellent employee experience.

About the Role

The role will ensure the delivery of a high-quality, efficient, and customer-focused HR service that contributes to the creation of a seamless process environment which delivers an excellent employee experience, as well as provide direct line management for HR Operations Officers and coordinator. 

The role will provide expert guidance to staff and managers, including on contractual terms, pay calculations and benefits entitlements, resolve complex individual issues, support system updates and identify opportunities for process development and improvement.

About you

You will ideally hold an undergraduate degree, be CIPD qualified (or equivalent) or working towards this with a background in delivering HR operational activity. You will have previous experience of delivering high volume HR operations within a complex environment, managing staff, and initiating and implementing change.

A highly skilled communicator, you’ll be experienced at explaining complex HR policies and procedures and have the ability to build working relationships with staff across SOAS.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future.

You will also find information about SOAS’ location in historic Bloomsbury as well as the benefits of working in Higher Education.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement, clearly demonstrating how you fit the role and what you will bring to the team. 

The supporting statement should set out how your qualifications, experience and training meet each of the selection criteria. Please provide one or more paragraphs addressing each criterion. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the criteria such as "Please see attached CV" will not be considered acceptable. 

Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date. 

Closing date: 26th October 2025

Completed applications must be received by 23:59 on the closing date of to be considered.                           

Interviews to be held: TBC

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

This role will be primarily office based at 10 Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London (minimum 2 days per week working from the office).

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006'. ‘Successful candidates must be based in the UK for the duration of their contract. ‘must be based in the UK – for the duration of their contract. 

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice. 

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, the Global South, Black, Asian or other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process. 

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS