HR Operations Service Manager

• Fixed term contract for one year - Ideal Secondment Opportunity, if applying on this basis please discuss with your Line Manager in the first instance.
• 33 days annual leave

We are looking for an experienced HR professional who has knowledge and experience in pay and reward systems to lead our Pay and Reward function during a period of significant change. The role sits within the HR Operations service. This interim role will focus on strengthening and developing our Pay and Reward function while ensuring the smooth delivery of day‑to‑day HR operations.

You will provide senior operational leadership, support improvements to our systems and processes, and help ensure we are ready for our Total Pay and Reward Programme which commenced in September 2025. You will manage the Pay and Reward team, oversee job evaluation and establishment control, and work closely with colleagues at all levels across HR, Finance and the wider organisation.

We are seeking someone with strong experience and knowledge in Pay and Reward, job evaluation, and leading and managing HR operational services. You will be confident building relationships, offering expert advice, and supporting teams through change.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

This role offers hybrid working in line with our corporate standards.

For an informal discussion please feel free to contact Helen Thomas via email Helen.Thomas@somerset.gov.uk

If you have the skills and experience to help us strengthen our HR operations at a key time, we’d love to hear from you.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.