Transforming the Engine Room of the UK’s Largest Supported Living Provider
Lifeways — the UK’s largest supported living provider, employing 10,000 team members across a complex, multi-site environment — is entering the next phase of its People transformation journey.
Building on significant progress we are looking ahead and want to mature and evolve our service, technology and governance with an exceptional People Leader - Heading up People Services & Advisory, driving simplification, efficiency, automation, and strengthened governance through implementation of HRIS and Target Operating Model.
The Opportunity
This is not a typical HR Operations role. This is a mandate to redefine how People Services and the HR Function operates at scale creating a digitally enabled, people-centric function that directly enhances the experience of our amazing front line workers and support functions within a highly regulated social care environment.
Ideally, you’ve done this before, and know how to move at pace to meet the demands of a growing and maturing business, through HRIS implementation and tiered service provision. With accountability for Payroll, Pensions, Compliance, Service & Advisory, Data and Insights (JWB to check HR TOM FY30)
As Lifeways enters its next phase of growth, the People function must meet business ambition with the right capability, restless and engaged to transform beyond the fundamentals. This role will play a critical part in ensuring our People Services model is not only efficient, effective and compliant today, but fit for the future.
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will lead a team of 46 (with 4 direct reports) and own the operational heart of the People function.
Transforming People Services
Lead the next phase of transformation — embedding a tiered service model that integrates scalable service delivery, specialist expertise and advisory capability, while driving continuous improvement and service excellence.
Advisory & Employee Relations Capability
Build a strong advisory layer to manage complex casework, support HRBPs and leaders, and ensure a consistent, values-led approach to decision making.
Payroll, Pensions & Governance
Oversee a complex payroll and pensions landscape, ensuring robust governance, compliance, accuracy and audit readiness within a regulated environment.
People Experience & Service Delivery
Deliver a seamless, high-quality employee experience across a dispersed, frontline workforce, aligned to Lifeways’ purpose and values.
Data, Insight & Workforce Intelligence
Develop a data-led function, using insight and analytics to inform workforce planning, cost management and operational decision-making.
Technology & Digital Enablement
Lead the next phase of HR technology, including HRIS evolution (ERP/Unit4), automation and self-service, driving adoption at scale.
Compliance & Operational Resilience
Strengthen governance frameworks and ensure compliance across a complex, multi-site, regulated environment.
Leadership
Lead and develop a team of 46, building capability across service delivery, advisory expertise and digital adoption, and fostering a high-performance, customer-focused culture.
What We’re Looking For
Proven leadership in HR Operations / Shared Services at scale (5,000+ employees ideally)
Experience operating within complex, multi-site, regulated environments (care, retail, healthcare, logistics or similar)
Strong track record delivering tiered service models and HR transformation
Expertise in payroll and pensions governance, ideally within complex pay structures
Deep understanding of HR technology, HRIS transformation, and automation
Experience integrating advisory/ER capability into a shared services model
Highly commercial, data-driven, and credible at executive level
A leader who can balance compassion and compliance in a people-centric sector
Why Lifeways?
Scale & Impact: 10,000 employees delivering essential care services across the UK
Purpose-Led: A business that genuinely improves lives every day
Transformation Journey: Significant progress already made — with full executive commitment to go further
Career Defining Role: Shape and define what “best-in-class People Services” looks like in a complex, frontline-led organisation