Head of HR Operations (Maternity Leave)

Job summary

Head of HR Operations (Maternity cover)

House of Lords – HR Office

BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.

As the Head of HR Operations, you'll play an important role in supporting the UK's parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively, contributing to something bigger than any one role.

You’ll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.

You’ll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster — a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.

This is a fixed term maternity cover, ending in January 2028, with the possibility of extension or permanency.

Job description

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you'll lead the HR Operations function, ensuring colleagues across the House of Lords receive high-quality, efficient and people-focused HR services. You'll oversee recruitment, HR administration, pay and benefits, employee data, and HR enquiries, helping to create a modern and responsive service that supports managers and employees across a diverse organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity to shape and improve the way HR services are delivered. You'll drive continuous improvement through better processes, service standards and HR systems, while working closely with colleagues across the HR Office to deliver the People Strategy and Inclusion & Diversity Strategy. Leading and developing a skilled team, you'll help create an inclusive environment where colleagues can thrive and contribute to the effective running of Parliament.

Person specification

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.

You'll have:

• HR Operations – Proven track record of managing HR Operations functions, ideally including Recruitment, and advising managers, delivering high-quality services and driving improvements across core HR processes.
• Operational Performance – Experience of developing, implementing and evaluating effective HR procedures and service standards that enhance operational performance and service user experience.
• Planning and Communicating – Strong planning, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deliver outcomes to deadlines, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Process improvement – Experience of leading the development and continuous improvement of services including maximising the potential of HR systems
• Knowledge of HR policies and procedures – Up-to-date knowledge of employment law, pay and benefits, and a broad understanding of HR policies, procedures and practices within a comparable complex organisation.
• Leadership and Management – Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to set a clear vision, motivate teams and deliver consistently high standards of service.

It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):

• Interpersonal skills – Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with experience building productive relationships and resolving issues pragmatically across a range of stakeholders.
• Inclusion and Diversity – Demonstrable commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity through HR policy, processes and service delivery.
• Experience of working in a public sector, parliamentary or similarly complex stakeholder environment.

For full details, please see the job description.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £60,500, House of Lords contributes £17,526 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

What you'll get in return

Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution.

As Head of HR Operations, you'll have the opportunity to lead a high-profile function at the heart of the organisation, influence strategic people priorities, and contribute directly to the delivery of the House of Lords People Strategy. You'll work alongside experienced HR professionals, senior leaders and a broad range of stakeholders, while developing your leadership, operational excellence and change management expertise.

You'll benefit from:

• 30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year)
• Generous Civil Service pension scheme
• A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme
• Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions
• Hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance

The work we do is vital to the House of Lords, the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Ready to apply?

If you're looking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Monday 12 October 2026.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Recruitment Team
• Email : hlrecruitment@parliament.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : hlrecruitment@parliament.uk

Attachments

2026.09.17 Head of HR Operations JD Opens in new window (docx, 1227kB)