HR Operations Manager, UK & Ireland

HR Operations Manager, UK & Ireland

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.

Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.

Lightsource bp operates with five core values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability, and Drive.

We seek to attract and hire individuals who share our commitment to creating a safe workplace, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and demonstrate respect for colleagues, communities, and the environment. Our recruitment process promotes sustainability by valuing long-term growth and responsible practices, while seeking candidates with the drive to innovate and lead in the global energy transition.

Together, these values shape how we engage, assess, and welcome talent to join us in delivering transformational solar power solutions worldwide.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What you’ll do (the role)

Summary

We are seeking an experienced People & Culture (P&C) Operations Manager with strong Employee Relations expertise to lead end‑to‑end HR operations for the UK & Ireland. Reporting into the Head of EMEA P&C Operations, this role combines operational P&C leadership with deep ER case ownership. This position is critical in managing HR operations processes, complex employee relations (ER) cases including disciplinary and dismissal procedures and supporting HRIS utilisation with a strong command of SuccessFactors.

This role is perfect for an experienced, pragmatic, ER-focussed HR professional who thrives on operational excellence within a fast-paced, matrix organisation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Ensure all ER cases are handled in line with employment legislation, ACAS guidance, and company policy.
• Lead and manage complex ER cases end‑to‑end including investigations, disciplinary processes, grievances, capability cases, redundancies, and dismissals. Support and guide managers and HRBPs through formal hearings and appeals, ensuring procedural fairness and defensible outcomes. Maintain robust case documentation.

HR Operations & BAU Management

• Supported by a P&C Coordinator, manage full cycle HR Operations activities including onboarding, offboarding, job changes, leave of absence, return to work, benefits administration, payroll liaison, contract management, employee questions and queries, as well as the maintenance of employee records in SuccessFactors.
• Lead the administration and continuous improvement of HR policies, processes, and compliance aligned with UK & Ireland employment law.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Support

• Act as a trusted HR Operations partner to business leaders, HR Business Partners, and payroll teams, ensuring seamless and compliant HR service delivery.
• Work closely with the regional HR Operations and wider P&C teams to ensure alignment on best practices and policy adherence.
• Support HR projects related to policy and process improvements, and payroll rollouts as required.

What you’ll need to succeed

Experience & Skills

• Extensive Employee Relations experience managing complex and sensitive ER cases including investigations, disciplinary hearings, and dismissal proceedings.
• Proven experience in HR Operations management within UK & Ireland, ideally supporting multiple locations or countries in a matrix environment.
• Practical knowledge and experience with SuccessFactors HRIS or similar HR technology systems.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, contractual entitlements, and compliance issues.
• Ability to manage sensitive and complex employee relations matters objectively and with empathy.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise multiple BAU duties effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Legal qualification, employment law certification, or demonstrable advanced ER expertise is highly desirable.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, pragmatic problem solver with a strong customer service orientation.
• High attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Collaborative team player who influences positively across levels and disciplines.

Why you’ll want to work for us

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow, a place where your ideas and opinions matter.

Be you: We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.

Be responsible: Our culture is driven by our core values – from operating safely to ensuring our projects are responsible.

Be recognized: Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.

Be inspired: Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. These include our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project, or volunteering on our VIBES committee to name a few.

Our core values: Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.

For further information on our career opportunities and life at Lightsource bp, please visit https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers/