People Operations Lead

Location: Liverpool or London - The role is offered within a hybrid working environment with a blend of office and homeworking. 

Contract type: Full time, fixed term contract. 10 - 12 months

Salary: Grade 5, £38,000 - £42,000 depending on skills and experience, and location. Please note, for internal applicants the salary will be reflected by pay and reward policy

Working arrangements: 35 hours per week. Standard working hours between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. Hybrid working, with a minimum of 6 days per month in the office. Required to work in the office on Wednesdays.

The Royal College of Physicians is looking for an enthusiastic and hands-on individual to join our People and Culture team in a newly created role: People Operations Lead.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in payroll and recruitment operations who’s looking to step up into a broader role with oversight across key people processes.

In this role, you’ll lead the delivery of core operational activities across the employee lifecycle with a strong focus on payroll and recruitment, while identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes and ways of working.

You’ll work closely with colleagues across People Partnering, Learning and Culture to ensure we provide a joined-up and efficient people experience. There’s also room to develop your strategic awareness and play a key role in shaping how we deliver excellent operational support.

If you're ready to take the next step, build on your operational strengths and help us evolve our people processes, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Oversight

• Lead the monthly payroll cycle, working closely with the Payroll & Analytics Officer and Finance.
• Own People team payroll responsibilities and ensure accurate processing of changes, starters and leavers.
• Ensure data accuracy and timeliness against payroll deadlines.

Resourcing and Recruitment

• Support the Resourcing Officer to deliver inclusive, timely recruitment.
• Oversee the implementation of Networx (ATS) and build capability among hiring managers.
• Champion continuous improvement and inclusive hiring practices.

People Analytics and Reporting

• Oversee delivery of workforce data, dashboards and analysis.
• Highlight trends and risks to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure accurate, regular reporting across headcount, EDI and lifecycle trends.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Optimise Cascade (HRIS) and Networx (ATS) to ensure functionality and user confidence.
• Identify process improvements to streamline payroll, recruitment and onboarding.
• Oversee system configuration to support automation and accessibility.

Operational Support

• Maintain GDPR compliance in managing sensitive employee data.
• Respond to P&C service desk queries alongside the wider coordinator team.
• Contribute to employee self-service tools through FAQs and support content.

For more information about the role, please read the job description.

Benefits

Working at the RCP comes with lots of benefits designed to ensure that you feel valued and supported in your role. The benefits we offer include:

• 29 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
• group personal pension plan with 7% employer contribution
• health cash plan
• interest-free season ticket loan
• life assurance
• annual pay award
• flexible working hours
• employee assistance programme – 24/7 advice and support for any work-related issues as well as any problems affecting your home life
• occupational health team – includes employment and work-related health assessments, health checks and work station assessments
• cycle to work scheme
• professional training and development opportunities
• enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• staff discounts platform – including discounts on cinema tickets and a range of high street brands.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the job description. Please note that applications received without a cover letter will not be shortlisted.

For an informal discussion about this role, candidates are welcome to contact our recruitment team on: 

Email: recruitment@rcp.ac.uk

Telephone: 020 3075 1649

Please note, agency inquiries will not be considered.

Closing date: 29 July 2025

Interview date: 7 August 2025

The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

The RCP is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into our community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is a priority for us.