HR & Operations Lead

About Recognition One

Recognition One is a leading talent search firm trusted by leading AI, SaaS, Quantum Computing & Semiconductor Companies globally.

We are looking for an experienced HR & Operations Lead to manage the people, systems and operational processes that keep our business running effectively.

The role

This is a broad, hands-on position covering HR, business operations, reporting, client administration, systems, payroll and team support.

You will work closely with managers and the leadership team, taking ownership of day-to-day processes while identifying ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen how the business operates.

Key responsibilities

HR and people operations

• Prepare offer letters, contracts, promotion and salary letters, warnings, disciplinary documentation and termination letters.
• Manage Right to Work checks, onboarding, offboarding and employee records.
• Support managers with HR processes, employee relations and sickness absence.
• Manage difficult employee relations cases, including disciplinaries, grievances and dismissals, ensuring fair process and compliance with employment law.
• Review and update HR policies in line with employment law and business requirements.
• Maintain training records and help identify development needs.
• Monitor HR data and recommend appropriate actions.

Operations and compliance

• Create and maintain operational, data protection, security and health and safety policies.
• Manage risk assessments
• DSE administration
• Oversee insurance policies, suppliers and company assets.
• Identify and implement process improvements and cost-saving measures.
• Provide general, day-to-day operational support to the team.

Reporting and client administration

• Produce daily and weekly performance and KPI reports.
• Maintain vacancy, placement, KPI, league table and commission records.
• Review and amend client Terms of Business.
• Complete supplier registration forms, due diligence requests and security questionnaires.
• Maintain client terms, invoicing and purchase order information.

Systems and team support

• Act as administrator for all systems including Breathe HR, LinkedIn Recruiter, SourceWhale, Microsoft 365 and others.
• Manage licences, user access and supplier reviews.
• Provide first-line, basic IT support and liaise with external support providers.
• Manage LinkedIn adverts, InMail limits, calendars and call recordings.
• Organise internal events (online & in-person), travel and team activities.
• Identify opportunities to use AI, automation and technology to streamline processes, improve reporting and reduce manual work.

Payroll and finance administration

• Liaise with the payroll provider and prepare accurate monthly payroll information, including salaries, commissions, expenses and deductions.
• Process payroll and commission payments through BACS.
• Review and approve contractor invoices and employee expenses.
• Raise client invoices accurately and promptly, and ensure supplier invoices are paid by the required deadlines.

What we are looking for

You will have experience in HR, people operations, business operations or office management, ideally within recruitment, professional services or another fast-paced commercial business.

You should be:

• Highly organised, accurate and dependable.
• Proactive, practical and willing to take ownership.
• Able to manage multiple priorities within a remote working environment.
• Confident communicating with employees, managers, clients and suppliers.
• Confident handling sensitive HR and commercial information.
• Familiar with UK employment practices.
• Able to demonstrate either practical experience or strong theoretical knowledge of managing difficult employee relations cases, including disciplinary processes, grievances and dismissals, while ensuring compliance with employment law.
• Comfortable working with reports, systems, contracts and financial administration.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable using AI tools and automation to speed up processes, improve accuracy and reduce administrative work.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, including Excel.
• Ideally qualified at CIPD Level 3 or above.

Our benefits

• Fully remote working.
• Flexible working hours (choose from 8am-5pm or 9am-6pm UK time).
• A working-from-home allowance.
• All home-working equipment provided.
• Annual increases to your annual leave entitlement.
• Regular company meet-ups and team social events.
• Reimbursement for up to three counselling sessions per year.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• One paid volunteering day each year.

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a brief explanation of why you think you'd be suited to the role.

Recognition One and its client are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with local law.