HR Operations Manager

Full job description

About Stockport County

Stockport County is a club on the rise. For the past 11 years, we've finished higher every season, climbing from the National League North to finishing 3rd in League One, which has built on our rich and storied history that dates to 1883.

With bold ownership, a strong leadership team, and a forward-thinking board, we're embarking on our next chapter of growth. This includes significant investments in renovating our stadium and training facilities, and the recent reinstatement of our academy, laying strong foundations for the future.

Beyond the pitch, Stockport is transforming into a vibrant cultural hub in the Northwest. Our town boasts a thriving and rapidly growing arts, entertainment, and culinary scene, making it an incredibly dynamic place to live and work. We're passionate about our town and the local community, specially creating opportunities for young Stopfordians to find opportunities and thrive.

With our rapid progression and shared trajectory, we believe we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Stockport County and the wider community to rise together and establish ourselves on both the national sporting and cultural stage.

Role Overview

We are seeking a HR Operations Manager to join our team. This is a hands‑on, people‑focused role responsible for delivering a professional, inclusive and pragmatic HR service across the Club. Working closely with the Head of People, you will lead on day‑to‑day HR operations, recruitment, employee relations, and support the delivery of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) priorities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being visible, approachable and embedded within the organisation

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Lead and manage end‑to‑end recruitment processes across the Club, including permanent, fixed‑term, casual and matchday roles

• Work with hiring managers to understand resourcing needs and provide practical recruitment advice

• Support high‑volume recruitment periods, including matchday campaigns

• Ensure recruitment processes are fair, inclusive and aligned with safer recruitment practices

Employee Relations

• Provide first‑line HR advice to managers and staff on absence, performance, conduct and grievance matters

• Support managers to handle people issues confidently and consistently

• Assist with investigations, hearings and documentation, ensuring policies and procedures are followed

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

• Support the development and delivery of the Club’s EDI initiatives and action plans in line with the EFL’s Code of Practice

• Promote inclusive working practices and help embed EDI principles into everyday processes

• Work collaboratively across the Club to raise awareness and encourage positive culture change

HR Operations & Systems

• Oversee core HR processes including onboarding, contracts, policy implementation and employee records

• Support the effective use and development of HR systems and data

• Ensure HR processes are efficient, compliant and fit for purpose

• Support the HR Administrator to maintain accurate HR documentation and contribute to continuous improvement

Team Support & Administration

• Work closely with the HR Administrator, providing support during peak periods

• Cover key administrative tasks during periods of leave where required

• Be willing to support with day‑to‑day HR administration to ensure continuity of service

Governance & Compliance

• Support compliance with employment legislation changes and best practice

• Maintain an understanding of sector‑specific guidance, including the EFL Code of Practice • Support the application of relevant regulations and standards across the Club

Essential

• CIPD Level 5 qualification

• Proven experience in a generalist HR role

• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice

• Experience providing clear, accessible HR advice to managers and staff

• Collaborative, approachable style with strong communication skills

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage competing priorities

• Genuine interest in EDI and improving people practices

• Comfortable working with HR systems and data

Desirable

• Experience working within professional sport or a comparable

• Experience using PeopleHR

• Familiarity with EFL Code of Practice

• A good understanding of Payroll practices

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Discount on SCFC retail products
• Discount of SCFC season or match by match tickets
• Access to online discount system perk box
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Be part of a dynamic and exciting team
• The chance to contribute to the success of a historic football club