Copyright © 2025
Disclaimer: Hunt UK Visa Sponsors aggregates job listings from publicly available sources, such as search engines, to assist with your job hunting. We do not claim affiliation with International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). For the most up-to-date job details, please visit the official website by clicking "Apply Now."
People Services Manager
Hybrid (within the UK) with occasional travel to our London office
About Us
The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is a not-for-profit policy research and influence organisation, and a globally recognised force for social and environmental justice. Our mission is to build a fairer, more sustainable world, using evidence, action and influence in partnership with others. We work with an unparalleled global network to reshape policies, funding mechanisms and governance at all levels. For more than 50 years, IIED has acted alongside marginalised communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to bring lived experience, expertise and evidence from those regions to global attention. Our people are central to this purpose, and we currently have almost 200 people across more than 16 countries, with office bases in London and Edinburgh.
At the IIED, we’re proud to be on an exciting journey of transformation, working through impact-focused, cross-functional teams aligned with our Manifesto goals. As part of this evolution, we’re embedding a stronger focus on learning, skills development, and a matrix management approach. The People Services Manager will play a vital role in bringing this to life and leading the delivery of high-quality people services across the organisation.
We are now looking for a People Services Manager to join us on a full time (35 hours per week), permanent role, with flexibility to support work life balance.
The Role
As our People Services Manager, you will lead the People Services function, ensuring the smooth and effective delivery of core HR operations while fostering a culture of learning, inclusion, and continuous improvement. From managing payroll and HR systems to advising on employee relations, compliance, and policy development, your work will be pivotal in shaping a resilient, people-focused organisation.
Other Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and supervise the People Services team, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of core HR functions across the employee lifecycle.
- Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, payroll, salary and job evaluations.
- Manage and enhance our HR systems to support operational efficiency and data-informed decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, GDPR, IR35, visa sponsorship, and audit requirements.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on HR policies, employee relations, and operational people planning.
- Support the Director of People with internal and external communications, policy reviews, and people risk assessments.
About You
To be considered as our People Services Manager, you will need:
- Significant operational HR experience, including process and policy development
- Strong knowledge and practical experience in payroll management, including employer of record arrangements and employee benefits
- Experience supporting a distributed or geographically dispersed workforce
- Familiarity with working in a unionised environment and navigating related HR matters
- Proficiency in using HR information systems (HRIS) and reporting tools to support data-driven decisions
- A solid understanding of HR best practices, employment law, and regulatory compliance
- Strong leadership and team supervision skills, with a focus on coaching and service improvement
- Confidence in handling complex ER cases, payroll oversight, and policy development
The Benefits
- Salary of £54,438 - £67,692 per annum
- 25 days' annual leave per year plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Flexible hybrid working options
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)
Please note, you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.
Key dates
- Closing date: 5 August 2025
- Interviews: Week commencing 18 August and 25 August 2025 (held virtually via Microsoft Teams)
This role is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with our safeguarding and safer recruitment commitments. A criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment; any disclosed information will be considered fairly and confidentially, in accordance with our recruitment procedures and the nature of the role.
IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.
This is a brilliant opportunity for a talented HR professional to lead high-impact HR operations, drive service excellence, and support meaningful people-focused change in a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation. Apply now!