HR Business Partner - Payroll/HR Systems & Operations

HR Business Partner - Payroll/HR Systems and Operations - Fixed Term until February 2026

Here at Welsh National Opera we are seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to join our team and support the Head of People and Transformation in driving the successful transformation of our HR and Payroll systems and operations. This role will work closely with managers and key stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery and adoption of new processes. This is a fixed-term position until February 2026.

You will lead the implementation of enhanced HR and Payroll systems and oversee the delivery of efficient and compliant processes. This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives in a change-focused environment and is passionate about improving people systems and services.

What will be required of you?

• Contribute to HR projects and initiatives in collaboration with the People & Culture team

• Provide generalist HR advice and support across the organisation.

• Assist in implementing new payroll and HRIS systems

• Coach and guide managers on HR policies, procedures, and best practice

• Review and maintain HR policies and procedures

• Advise on recruitment and support hiring managers with resourcing needs

• Manage complex employee relations cases

• Support day-to-day HR operations as required

• Analyse and report on people data to support decision-making

What will you need to have?

• Strong HR generalist experience with a solid understanding of core HR processes

• Proven ability to lead change and influence stakeholders at all levels

• Experience with HRIS and payroll system implementation (iTrent desirable)

• Confident handling complex employee relations and working in a unionised environment

• CIPD qualified or equivalent experience

• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage pressure and meet deadlines

• A proactive, collaborative approach and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

• Good knowledge of GDPR and payroll operations

What we can offer you?

• Salary: £45,000 per annum pro rata
• Annual Leave: Colleagues are entitled to 25 days annual leave (pro-rata for part time hours) each full holiday leave year which runs from 1st September to 31 August. Bank and public holidays are in addition to this. After 5 years, your holiday will increase to 28 days.
• Pension: All employees are automatically enrolled into WNO’s Stakeholder Pension Scheme (the “Plan”) or such other registered pension scheme as may be set up by the Company as a Qualifying Workplace Pension Scheme three months after joining the Company, subject to satisfying certain eligibility criteria.
• Gym Membership: All employees are eligible to obtain the Active Corporate Card operated by Cardiff City Council which is available at a 25% reduced rate and covers various leisure facilities throughout Cardiff.
• Discounts: Wales Millennium Centre offers discounts to residents at selected outlets within the building and selected restaurants around Cardiff Bay on presentation of ID cards. Discounted rate with Future Inns in Cardiff.
• Staff Parking Discount with Q Park: We have a corporate rate with Q Park, Pierhead Street (opposite WMC).
• Employee Assistant Programme: We provide a free confidential; counselling and advice service that is available familyt o all our employees, freelancers and contractors.
• Welsh lessons: We support staff who want to learn or improve their Welsh language skills, and we offer optional basic Welsh and improver lessons free of charge.

If you are looking for the next challenge, then apply today. We equally welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Please submit your application via the following link: Vacancy Details

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact: Heledd Davies on [email protected]