Senior People Operations Manager (12 Months FTC)

Aareon is Europe’s established provider of SaaS solutions for the real estate industry and a pioneer of the sector’s digital future.
With its software solutions, Aareon connects people, processes, and properties—bringing the industry closer together. With the Aareon Property Management System, based on intelligent software solutions, the company enables the efficient management and maintenance of residential and commercial properties and creates digital experiences for all stakeholders.
As a reliable and innovative partner, Aareon is committed to progress, positive change, and sustainable living and working spaces for everyone.

We value a working environment in which diversity and flexibility are appreciated, cooperation in partnership and mutual support in the team are a matter of course and learning is perceived as an opportunity.

Become part of our international team! Become part of #OneAareon! We are looking forward to meeting YOU!

Salary: up to £74,000 per year (depending on experience)
Location: London (Hybrid)
Contract: 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract
Reporting to: VP People & Culture
Experience Level: Senior (5+ years' experience)

The Role

We're looking for an experienced Senior People Operations Manager to join our People & Culture team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

This is a senior role suited to someone who brings deep HR operations expertise, strong Workday configuration and operational knowledge, and the confidence to lead a function independently. You’ll be working closely with our People Operations Lead, Senior People & Culture Associate and People & Culture Analyst. You'll take ownership of People Operations during the cover period, acting as a trusted partner to the VP People & Culture and senior stakeholders across the business.

You'll be accountable for the smooth running of day-to-day People Operations while also driving forward systems improvements, working on complex employee relations matters, and contributing to strategic People & Culture priorities. You'll act as the senior Workday subject matter expert for the business, owning the roadmap for system optimisation and partnering with the wider Group Workday team on projects and rollouts.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior People Operations professional who thrives in a high performing environment and is comfortable moving between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery.

Responsibilities

People Operations Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of People Operations, ensuring a high-quality, consistent experience across the employee lifecycle including the compensation review cycle
• Act as the most senior People Operations point of contact during the cover period, deputising for the VP People & Culture on operational matters where required
• Support P&C team members, providing direction, support, mentoring and quality oversight
• Own and improve People Operations processes, policies, and documentation, ensuring they remain fit for purpose, legally compliant, and scalable
• Work on employee relations casework, including complex or sensitive matters, escalating to the People Operations Lead or VP where appropriate
• Owning employee onboarding and payroll administration processes, ensuring positive employee experience, accuracy and compliance
• Drive compliance with employment legislation and internal governance and compliance requirements, including ensuring compliant right to work check process
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior managers and business leaders, providing confident and pragmatic HR guidance

Workday Ownership, HR Systems and Reporting

• Act as the senior Workday subject matter expert for the business, owning the overall approach to system governance, configuration, and continuous improvement
• Lead and manage Workday across all relevant modules, including:AbsencePerformance & GoalsRecruitingCompensation cycles
• Own the relationship with the wider Group Workday team, representing the business on system updates, testing, and cross-group rollouts
• Lead the scoping, implementation, and embedding of new Workday functionality and process enhancements
• Set and maintain standards with the P&C Analyst for data integrity, reporting, and audit processes, partnering with the VP People & Culture to ensure accountability for Group and Board reporting
• Develop and deliver Workday training and capability-building across the business, including for senior stakeholders and managers
• Use people data and system reporting to surface insights, identify trends, and inform decision-making
• Drive a culture of operational efficiency, proactively identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, and the employee and manager experience

People & Culture Contribution

• Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead on wider People & Culture projects and initiatives during the cover period
• Support the VP People & Culture in delivering against the People & Culture strategy
• Collaborate with the People Operations Lead to design and deliver learning content for managers and employees beyond Workday training, building broader people management capability across the business
• Support employee engagement activity, helping to maintain and strengthen the business as a great place to work
• Represent People Operations in cross-functional forums and senior stakeholder meetings

Requirements

Essential

• A strong track record in a People Operations, HR Operations, or HR Systems-focused role, with demonstrable progression to a senior or lead level
• Hands-on Workday expertise, including configuration and business process management, with good working knowledge across modules such as Absence, Performance, Goals, Recruiting, and Compensation
• Experience with employment law and managing complex employee relations cases with minimal supervision
• Confidence operating as a senior HR point of contact and advising senior managers and leaders
• Strong analytical skills and experience using people data to support decision-making
• Excellent judgement, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive matters professionally
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with a collaborative and proactive style and ability to partner with cross functional teams
• Comfortable operating independently and driving change management

Nice to Have

• Experience working in a SaaS, technology, private equity backed or high-growth businesses
• Exposure to HR strategy or organisational development work
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience managing or mentoring People Operations team members
• Familiarity with process improvement methodologies
• Experience using AI tools to improve productivity and efficiency in People Operations