People Operations Team Leader

About Oaklands College

Oaklands College is a large further education provider in Hertfordshire, serving over 8,000 students across campuses in St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Borehamwood, alongside a growing online presence and arable farm. Established in 1921, the College has a strong heritage of delivering responsive, high-quality education and supporting students to achieve their ambitions and contribute to their communities.

The College offers a broad range of academic and vocational programmes, including A-Levels, apprenticeships, higher education and specialist courses in areas such as engineering, construction, business, creative industries and elite sport. It is nationally recognised for its outstanding provision for learners with mild and severe learning difficulties, with a significant proportion of students receiving additional support.

Oaklands is ambitious, innovative and people-focused. Recently recognised with strong Ofsted outcomes and ranked amongst the top performing colleges nationally, we continue to invest in our people, processes and culture to deliver an exceptional experience for both staff and students.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and proactive People Operations Team Leader to lead the delivery of a high-quality People Operations service across the full employee lifecycle.

This is an exciting opportunity for a customer-focused HR professional who enjoys leading teams, improving processes and ensuring an outstanding employee experience. You will oversee day-to-day People Operations activities including recruitment, onboarding, contractual changes, employee records, absence administration, payroll liaison and offboarding, ensuring services are delivered accurately, efficiently and compliantly.

Working closely with managers and colleagues across the College, you will play a key role in driving service excellence, maintaining safer recruitment standards, improving systems and processes, and supporting wider People initiatives.

What You'll Be Responsible For

As People Operations Team Leader, you will provide leadership and operational oversight for:

• The day-to-day delivery of the People Operations service across the full employee lifecycle.

• Recruitment administration, onboarding and safer recruitment processes.

• Maintaining compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), employment legislation and data protection requirements.

• Oversight and audit of the Single Central Record (SCR).

• Delivery of the Staffing Committee process, including preparation of documentation, minute taking and action tracking.

• HR systems, data quality, reporting and continuous process improvement.

• Supporting payroll processes through the provision of accurate employee data.

• Providing operational guidance and support to managers on people processes.

• Monitoring service standards, KPIs and team performance.

• Coaching, developing and leading the People Operations team.

• Supporting organisational projects, change initiatives and service improvements.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a collaborative and organised People professional who can balance operational delivery with continuous improvement.

Essential

• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent relevant qualification).

• Significant experience within a HR, recruitment, People Operations or employee services environment.

• Experience leading or supervising an operational team.

• Strong knowledge of employee lifecycle processes, including recruitment, onboarding, contractual changes and employee records.

• Experience maintaining HR records and ensuring data accuracy and compliance.

• Experience using HR systems and technology to improve efficiency and service delivery.

• Strong organisational, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to interpret data, identify trends and drive improvements.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Commitment to delivering a responsive, professional and customer-focused service.

Desirable

• Management, leadership or team-leading qualification.

• Associate CIPD membership.

• Experience within further education, education or another safeguarding-focused environment.

• Experience using iTrent or a comparable HR and payroll system.

• Experience maintaining or auditing a Single Central Record.

• Knowledge of safer recruitment and Keeping Children Safe in Education requirements.

• Experience supporting payroll processing and reporting.

• Experience with workflow automation, digital transformation or the responsible use of AI within HR services.

Why Join Oaklands College?

At Oaklands, we care about your wellbeing and development. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, happiness, and success — all within a welcoming, inclusive, and values-driven work environment where your contribution truly matters.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Free access to our on-site gym at the St Albans campus (time restrictions may apply)

• Financial wellbeing support, including savings on beauty treatments, Lambing Weekend, our on-site zoo, travel via the UNO Bus Scheme, and more

• Cycle to Work Scheme, promoting active travel and healthy living

• Generous holiday allowance, giving you the time to rest and recharge

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) with free Adult Community Learning courses and staff training opportunities

• Staff Development Days & Awards, celebrating your achievements and recognising your impact

• Mental Health & Wellbeing Support, including confidential resources and guidance

• Employee Assistance Programme, offering advice and support 24/7

• Mental Health Peer Supporters, for when you just need someone to talk to

• Eye Care Vouchers, supporting your health while working with screens