People Operations Manager
The Economist GroupWho we are
We are an organisation that exists to drive progress. That's the “red thread” that connects everyone at The Economist Group (TEG). Our businesses share a devotion to innovation, independence and rigour in their fields of expertise. We empower people to understand and tackle the critical challenges and changes facing the world. Our analytical rigour, global expertise and evidence-based insights enable individuals and organisations to make sense of these shifts and chart a course through them.
We deliver analysis and insights in many formats to subscribers and clients in 170 countries through our four businesses, The Economist, Economist Impact, Economist Intelligence and Economist Education, which uphold our global reputation for excellence and integrity.
The role
We are looking for a People Operations Manager to lead our global People Operations team and shape the next phase of our journey. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building clarity from complexity, improving the way things run and guiding a team to deliver consistent, high-quality service.
You will provide tactical leadership across the full employee lifecycle, ensuring our operations run smoothly while driving improvements that make processes simpler, faster and more reliable. Working closely with our People Tech team, you will help prepare operations for automation, workflow redesign and system enhancements.
You will lead a team of six and ensure we deliver brilliant basics globally, underpinned by strong processes, trusted data and a culture of continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Lead, support and develop a global team, allocating work and managing capacity and SLAs
- Lead core People operations activities including onboarding, offboarding, contracts, data management, employment changes, compliance checks, reference requests, payroll inputs and benefits administration
- Act as an escalation point for complex operational matters
- Own and refine People processes to drive consistency, accuracy and operational excellence
- Maintain strong process discipline, compliance and data integrity, ensuring all People Operations meet legal, audit and policy requirements
- Ensure high standards of documentation, templates and knowledge sharing to support consistency and cross-coverage
- Partner closely with the People Tech team to simplify workflows, remove manual steps, embed automation and introduce new tools
- Deliver local and team-level projects and improvements that enhance efficiency and colleague experience
- Build effective relationships with HRBPs, Reward, Talent Acquisition, Payroll and other partners
The brilliant basics
- Accurate, timely and consistent employee lifecycle processes
- Clear ownership, well-documented procedures and reliable knowledge sharing
- High-quality data and compliant People records
- Smooth onboarding, offboarding and employee changes
- A responsive, solutions-focused team that delivers trusted service
Who you are
- Proven success in a People Operations managerial role in a global, matrixed organisation
- Strong understanding of global HR processes and employee lifecycle activities
- Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume workload in a hands-on way
- Strong process orientation with the ability to spot risks, gaps and opportunities and leverage technology, including automation and AI, to deliver improvements that enhance both efficiency and colleague experience
- Experience with HRIS platforms and ticketing systems
- Understanding of GDPR, data privacy considerations, governance and audit requirements
- Comfortable working in a transforming environment with evolving systems and shifting priorities
Desirable
- Experience working with HiBob and/or Hiver
- Knowledge of process mapping or continuous improvement methodologies
#LI-Hybrid
AI usage for your application
We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.
What we offer
Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.
You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.