People Operations Manager

People Operations Manager – Midlands & Wales

Salary: £43,000–£46,000 per annum

Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday–Friday

Contract: Permanent

Travel: Multi-site role across Midlands & Wales (EV company car provided)

Are you an experienced, hands-on HR professional who thrives in fast-paced, operational blue‑collar environments? We’re offering an exciting opportunity to play a key role supporting over 1,400 colleagues working across 62 prisons within our MOJ contract (HMPPS). No two days are the same in this dynamic, purpose-driven setting, where your work truly matters.

As our new People Operations Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our operational People function—delivering high-quality HR support, leading complex ER cases, and shaping culture across a diverse, multi-site workforce.

Your New Role

Reporting to the People Partner for the MOJ client, you’ll provide expert HR guidance across a large, dispersed blue‑collar workforce. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who loves being out on site, solving real operational challenges, and influencing people managers daily.

You’ll support upcoming organisational change programmes, including a significant TUPE transfer of over 250 employees, and drive a wide range of people initiatives including cultural change, wellbeing, and workforce planning.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Taking ownership of complex and high‑volume employee relations cases in partnership with our external provider.
• Coaching and supporting line managers to apply People policies consistently and effectively.
• Delivering people management training and facilitating focus groups.
• Supporting the development and delivery of people plans across the MOJ estate.
• Providing data-led insights, spotting trends, and driving improvements.
• Collaborating with Recruitment, L&D, Reward and HR Shared Services to enhance the employee experience and improve service delivery.
• Contributing to proactive workforce planning, talent pipelines, and resource strategies.
• Leading and supporting TUPE mobilisations, demobilisations, and restructures, including the transfer of 250+ employees in 2026.

We want to hear from you if you are:

Must-Haves

• An experienced HR generalist operating at HR Manager/Operations Manager level.
• Confident working in fast-paced, blue‑collar, operational environments (e.g., FM, logistics, manufacturing, custodial services).
• Experienced in supporting delivery of TUPE programmes.
• Skilled in managing complex ER cases with a strong track record of resolving issues effectively.
• Comfortable working with trade unions and with proven experience in unionised environments.
• Able to apply employment law confidently to real-world scenarios.
• A strong collaborator who enjoys problem-solving, coaching managers, and building relationships across multiple sites.
• Hold a full clean driving licence and able to travel 2–3 days per week across the region.

Nice-to-Haves

• CIPD Level 5 or above.
• Familiarity with secure or government-related environments.

We know that no two people have the same background or experience, so if you meet most of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

Why Join Amey?

At Amey, we work on long-term, stable contracts that enable you to build a meaningful, secure HR career with us. We’re proud to hold Investors in People Platinum, which reflects our commitment to helping our people shine.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual reviews.
• Electric company car provided.
• Career progression opportunities, including pathways toward Senior People Partnering and HRBP roles.
• Fully funded training and leadership development programmes.
• At least 24 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy more.
• Generous pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions.
• Flexible working options, including hybrid and part-time arrangements.
• Flexible benefits, including insurance, Cycle2Work and discounted gyms.
• Retail and wellbeing discounts via our online platform.
• Two paid Social Impact Days each year.
• Family-friendly policies supporting parents and carers.
• Affinity Networks to connect and support our diverse communities.

About Amey

We’re a leading provider of full life-cycle engineering, operations, and decarbonisation solutions for transport infrastructure and complex facilities. Our purpose is to deliver sustainable solutions that enhance lives and protect our shared future.

Every day, our teams across the UK and internationally help shape essential environments that support communities for generations.

Learn more: amey.co.uk/careers

Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility

We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background. As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact: peopleservices@amey.co.uk

Apply Today

We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

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