People Operations Manager

As People Operations Manager, you will play a vital role in supporting the growth and success of our business. We have a number of business channels, including 40 Cloud Kitchens, restaurant and pasta counter in Harrods, our Pastificio (pasta factory), head office and our equity restaurants.

In this role, you will manage employee relations, including disciplinary and grievance procedures, ensure compliance with policies and employment legislation, and oversee payroll.

You will focus on improving employee engagement, upskilling managers and streamlining HR processes in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, while championing the company's passion for Italian food and values.

What you'll do at Pasta Evangelists:

• You understand the scale-up culture and are driven to resolve issues efficiently, ensuring quick and effective solutions.
• You will take pride in being the first point of contact for employees across the business, addressing concerns and resolving issues with integrity, always in line with our values.
• You will manage the HR Inbox and respond to queries.
• You will manage employee relations, absences, capability, disciplinary matters, grievances and conflict resolution with fairness, conducting investigations where necessary and ensuring timely and compliant outcomes.
• You will provide valuable guidance to managers on best practice in managing challenging situations and fostering a positive and productive workplace culture.
• You will develop, implement and update HR policies in line with legal requirements and business objectives, ensuring consistency and clarity across the organisation.
• You will confidently advise managers and employees on the application of policies and ensure strict compliance with employment legislation.
• You will manage employee benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, handling all related issues with care and efficiency.
• You will take the lead in advising on and managing maternity and paternity leave processes, ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation and company policy.
• You will drive the performance review process, ensuring that employees receive regular, constructive feedback and clear development pathways.
• You will manage and conduct employee engagement surveys, helping to shape a positive and engaged workforce.
• You will support managers in addressing performance issues, providing coaching and guidance to improve individual and team performance.
• You will maintain accurate HR records, ensuring that our system HARRI is up to date and compliant with data protection regulations.
• You will carry out right to work checks for new starters and manage visa expiry processes with precision.
• You will oversee documentation for current and new hires, ensuring that all contracts, legal paperwork and personal information are properly managed.
• Ensure a seamless onboarding experience for new hires, setting them up for success from day one.
• Generate insightful HR reports, providing valuable data to senior management for informed decision making and strategic planning.
• You will manage and process the Payroll and HR Administration.
• You will lead the refinement of HR processes to make them scalable, efficient and perfectly aligned with the evolving needs of the business.

You will actively contribute to key projects that drive the business forward, supporting initiatives that benefit the wider organisation.

Who you are:

• You are passionate about Italian food and the vibrant culture that drives our fast-paced, scale-up business.
• You are an experienced People Operations professional with at least 4 years' experience within the hospitality industry and a CIPD Level 5 qualification or above.
• You have proven expertise in managing employee relations, including disciplinary matters, grievances and complex leave policies such as maternity and paternity leave.
• You have a solid track record of overseeing payroll processes, ensuring full compliance with employment legislation.
• You are highly skilled at managing HR processes in a fast-paced, growth-driven environment.
• You are an exceptional communicator, able to handle sensitive situations with diplomacy, fairness and tact.
• You are a strategic thinker who excels at coaching managers and refining HR processes to support the company's scaling efforts.
• You take pride in coaching and motivating team members to drive continuous improvement.
• You are proficient in HR software and payroll systems with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance and efficiency.
• You are experienced in using HARRI time and attendance systems to streamline operations.
• You have advanced skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint or G Suite to ensure smooth operations and effective presentations.
• You have a can do, will do attitude. You don't turn a blind eye to problems - you tackle them head-on with a strong desire to find solutions.
• You are exceptionally detail-oriented and committed to never cutting corners in your work.
• ... A pasta lover!

What we can offer:

• Competitive salary to attract best talent
• Join a dynamic, fast-moving & diverse team
• Discount at our counter and restaurant in Harrods
• Regular team socials and pasta tastings
• Free Pasta Evangelists products
• Free eye test
• Referral bonus Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days of paid annual leave (plus bank holidays)

Who we are:
Pasta Evangelists was born nine years ago out of a desire to become the authority in fresh pasta. We’re on a mission to reimagine and elevate pasta as a category, which is worth a staggering £3.8bn yet has seen little innovation for decades.

Since launching our original fresh pasta recipe kit service in 2016, we have built a cult following of British pasta lovers – our Evangelists – who are passionate about discovering the breadth and variety of pasta, as well as the irresistible stories behind it.

Today, Pasta Evangelists is backed by Barilla (the world’s biggest pasta company) and is proud to be the UK’s biggest pasta brand by revenues, as well as one of the UK’s fastest-growing startups. As well as on our website, our recipe kits are available to purchase from major online retailers such as Ocado.

Building on this success, we are now disrupting Britain’s pizza-centric Italian dining scene by launching our very own Pasta Evangelists restaurants, as well as our high-end Harrods Pasta Bar and our store at Manchester Airport. These are not just Italian eateries — they are vibrant destinations where guests can experience the extraordinary diversity of pasta, alongside exceptional service, bold creativity, and a true passion for great food. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal and take part in our popular pasta-making classes at our restaurants in Chiswick, Richmond, Greenwich, Farringdon, Guildford, New Oxford Street and Queensway.

At the same time, we continue to expand our fresh pasta takeaway concept, available on pastaevangelists.com and through major delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat. With more than 40 kitchens now operating across the UK, including in Scotland and Wales, we are growing our footprint rapidly and bringing fresh pasta to more customers every day.

Our state-of-the-art Pastificio in Acton, West London — the largest in the UK — enables us to produce a wide range of artisanal pasta and sauces, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this beloved category.

Looking ahead, our key focus is on opening more restaurants and creating unique spaces that celebrate pasta in all its shapes, offering something far beyond the traditional Italian experience.

Given our ambitions, we are looking for exceptional professionals to lead our business through this next exciting chapter of growth.