People Operations Associate

Who we are looking for Reporting to the Head of People, the People Operations Associate is responsible for the effective operation, control and continuous improvement of the People function’s processes, management information and governance arrangements. We are looking for an organised, delivery-focused People Operations professional to help build a scalable, well-controlled People function.

The role owns People workflows, control monitoring, risk and KRI reporting, audit coordination, supplier oversight and operational MI across the employee lifecycle. Working closely with the People Associate and HR Administrator, the role ensures People processes are scalable, clearly documented, appropriately controlled and supported by accurate, audit-ready evidence.

You will combine strong operational discipline with a practical service mindset, improving processes and automation while ensuring colleagues and managers receive a consistent, responsive experience. Coordinate the operational recruitment and onboarding workflow from approved requisition through offer, pre-employment screening, joining and induction, ensuring clear hand-offs, accurate records and timely completion.

The People Associate will remain responsible for recruitment partnering, candidate management and stakeholder advice. Maintain current process maps, procedures, RACIs, service standards and escalation routes for core People processes, ensuring ownership and hand-offs are clearly understood. Improve automation, data quality and reporting across the HRIS and related tools, reducing manual administration and creating repeatable, scalable processes.

Produce accurate and timely People MI, including headcount, vacancies, recruitment activity, employee lifecycle data, training completion, control performance, KPIs and KRIs. Validate the underlying data, identify trends and exceptions, and provide concise commentary and recommended actions. Support the production of People, Ex.

Co, Rem. Co and Nom. Co reporting by providing accurate data, reconciliations and supporting evidence. Ownership of committee papers and strategic recommendations will remain with the Head of People and relevant specialist leads. Maintain robust audit trails and control evidence for joiners, movers and leavers, training, SMCR and Certification Regime activity, approvals, decision logs and other regulated People processes.

Coordinate the operation and testing of People controls and provide clear reporting to the Head of People on exceptions, overdue activity and emerging risks. The Head of People remains accountable for People control and SM&CR process outcomes. Establish and monitor People data-quality standards, exception reporting and reconciliation processes, working with the HR Administrator to ensure employee records are complete, accurate and maintained on time.

Own mandatory training MI, completion reporting and control evidence, working with the People Associate and HR Administrator to ensure overdue learning is followed up and records remain accurate. Coordinate operational relationships and service reviews for assigned People suppliers, monitoring service, cost, data protection and delivery against agreed standards, and escalating material issues to the Head of People.

Act as the People function’s administrative liaison for Health and Safety, coordinating agreed records, actions, reporting and supplier activity. Specialist advice and formal accountability will sit with the appropriate appointed individuals. Coordinate agreed employee engagement, employee forum and DE&I activity, including scheduling, action tracking, data and reporting, while supporting the Head of People and People Associate with delivery.

Work closely with the HR Administrator, People Associate, Reward & Remuneration Manager, Finance, IT, Risk and Compliance to ensure joined-up delivery and clear ownership. Support People projects and annual cycles through disciplined planning, action tracking, control evidence and MI. Essential: Proven experience in People Operations, HR operations or a comparable role, with hands-on ownership of employee lifecycle processes.

Strong process and control mindset, with experience maintaining trackers, evidence, approvals and audit-ready records. Experience producing people MI and operational reporting; confident using Excel or equivalent tools to analyse data and present clear insights. Working knowledge of HR systems and a track record of improving data quality, workflows or automation.

Good understanding of HR Operations processes. Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities, recurring deadlines and sensitive information. Clear written and verbal communication skills, with confidence working across functions and following up actions constructively.

A collaborative, service-oriented approach, balanced with the confidence to challenge incomplete evidence or inconsistent processes. Sound judgement, discretion and commitment to confidentiality when handling employee and governance information. Experience documenting and improving end-to-end processes, including process maps, RACIs or standard operating procedures.

Ability to reconcile data from different sources and identify gaps or inconsistencies. Experience managing controls, risks, actions or audit evidence in a structured environment. Confidence producing concise written commentary for senior stakeholders. Strong Excel capability, including lookups, pivot tables and data validation.

Ability to distinguish between routine exceptions and matters requiring prompt escalation. Experience working with sensitive personal data and applying appropriate confidentiality and data-protection controls. Desirable: Experience with Hi. Bob or a comparable HRIS. Experience supporting internal or external audits. Familiarity with SM&CR, the Certification Regime and Conduct Rules.

Experience producing governance or committee MI. Experience with workflow automation or reporting tools. CIPD qualification or equivalent practical HR experience. Competitive salary package 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays Holiday allowance that increases with length of service Birthday leave Enhanced company pension offering (up to 20% salary sacrifice) Competitive sick pay Life Assurance - 4x annual salary Critical Illness Insurance Private Medical Insurance with comprehensive cover for you and your family Personal Benefits Allowance to purchase Salary Sacrifice Benefits (Cycle to Work, PG Protect, Dental Insurance) 24/7 GP service, virtual physiotherapy, eye care, prescriptions, and health apps.

Digital counselling, virtual mental health support and Employee Assistance Programme Digital fitness classes and discounted gym memberships. Market leading parental leave Fresh daily fruit and snacks Bi-weekly office breakfasts Peer-to-peer recognition programme with monthly value awards Clear goals and performance development framework Diversity Bank of London is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion, diversity and belonging.

All qualified applicants are welcome and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, age, disability, religion or religious expression, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity and expression, transgender, national origin, marital status, pregnancy or parental rights, or military veteran status.