Head of People Systems

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of People Systems to lead the strategy, delivery, optimisation, and governance of our People Systems landscape. In this influential role, you’ll shape our long‑term technology direction while ensuring our systems remain reliable, secure, compliant, and aligned to the needs of our diverse workforce across manufacturing, Trade, and Support functions in the UK, ROI, Channel Islands, and parts of Europe.

You will lead a team of five specialists alongside a third‑party AMS partner, accountable for delivering our People Systems roadmap; including the successful enterprise‑wide implementation of Workday and the upgrade from Kronos Workforce Central 8.1 to UKG Workforce Management Pro.   This is a full‑time, permanent role. With the team primarily based across our Northampton and Croxley Park offices, we would ideally like this to be the base location for our new Head of People Systems.

What you will be doing

• Responsible for a global People Systems estate supporting 12,000+ employees across the UK, ROI, Channel Islands, and parts of Europe.
• Leading a People Systems team of 5 specialists plus an embedded third‑party AMS partner and SI partner to deliver BAU operations and major programmes.
• Leading Workday enterprise-wide implementation(Recruitment, HCM, Absence, Time Tracking, Scheduling, Payroll UK/ROI, Help & Journeys, Reporting) through go‑live and continuous optimisation.
• Delivering the UKG Workforce Management Pro upgrade across manufacturing, distribution and Trade operations.
• Setting and executing the People Systems strategy and multi‑year roadmap, including Workday enhancements, HMRC Payrolling Benefits (2027)  aligned to business priorities and technology trends.
• Shaping future system capabilities, identify optimisation opportunities, and drive continuous improvement.
• Owning configuration, integrations, testing, releases and change governance; driving performance, adoption and risk mitigation.
• Embedding strong controls and compliance (UK SOX, audit, data protection) with rigorous documentation and data stewardship.
• Partnering with HR, Payroll, Finance, Operations, Trade and Technology; leading forums, steering committees and vendor reviews.
• Ensuring reliable day‑to‑day service (integrations, data quality, incident/ticket management, BAU enhancements) for a diverse workforce operating near 24/7, 365 days per year.
• Managing a multi‑system landscape including Zellis ResourceLink, Cornerstone Learning, Civica OPAG, SAP C4S, Navex, ANTTELCOM, Access Recruitment, and multiple integrations.
• Holding responsibility for People Systems budgets, licensing, supplier contracts, and financial forecasting.
• Managing relationships with multiple third-party vendors, including Workday, UKG, AMS partners, pensions and share plan providers.

What we need from you

• Strong, hands‑on Workday expertise across multiple modules plus a solid HR and Payroll systems background, process and legislative knowledge.
• A track record delivering complex implementations or large digital programmes, with vendor/AMS leadership, cross‑functional teams and stakeholder influence.
• Knowledge in governance frameworks, audit, controls, data security and compliance (incl. UK SOX),
• Ability to communicate simplify technical concepts and complexity for non‑technical audiences.
• Experience in multi‑site, high‑complexity organisations, ideally with distributed and unionised workforces and varied digital accessibility.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of UKG Workforce Management Pro or adjacent HR technologies.
• Experience in manufacturing, retail, logistics, or distributed workforces.
• Exposure to European HR/payroll operations or geographical expansion.
• Familiarity with works councils or trade union environments.

What we can offer you

• Grade 3 role
• Competitive salary and annual company bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• Private medical insurance 
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Staff Discount
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

How to apply

Good luck with your application.  Before you apply, please speak to your manager, so that they are aware of your interest in this role.  Please take note that this advert is a summary of the main duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change.  If you have any questions or need further support or information, please contact Holly Gibbins, Recruitment Advisor.