Shared Services Manager - FTC

If you're an experienced HR Operations, Shared Services or People Manager who enjoys leading teams, improving processes and delivering exceptional colleague experiences, this could be your next exciting challenge.

For more than 30 years, Zenith has been shaping the future of sustainable vehicle solutions. As the UK's largest independent vehicle solutions provider, we're proud to offer an inclusive workplace where individuality and diverse perspectives are valued. We are recognised for our award-winning service, our investment in people and our commitment to making mobility smarter, greener and better for everyone.

We're looking for a People Shared Services Manager to join our People Team on an 11-month maternity cover contract. Leading a team of five, you'll oversee the delivery of a high-quality People Shared Services function, ensuring colleagues and managers receive expert support across the entire employee lifecycle. You'll play a key role in driving operational excellence, supporting employee relations activity, managing third-party partnerships and continuously improving how our people services operate across the business

This is far more than a traditional HR operations role. You'll have the opportunity to lead an established and well-performing team while influencing how people services are delivered across a business of approximately 1,500 colleagues. You'll gain broad exposure across HR operations, employee relations, payroll, systems, continuous improvement and strategic people projects.

Whether your background is in Shared Services, HR Operations or Employee Relations leadership, this role offers the chance to broaden your experience while making a visible impact across the wider People function.

• Leading, coaching and developing a team of People Shared Services and Employee Relations professionals.
• Overseeing end-to-end employee lifecycle administration, including onboarding, contractual changes, payroll activity and offboarding.
• Acting as the senior escalation point for complex people administration, payroll and employee relations matters.
• Supporting and guiding the Employee Relations team on more complex cases and employment law matters.
• Managing relationships with our outsourced payroll provider and key third-party suppliers.
• Driving process improvements, automation opportunities and service enhancements across the People function.
• Monitoring service delivery, team performance and customer satisfaction measures.
• Supporting wider People Team projects and contributing to the delivery of our people strategy.
• Ensuring compliance with employment legislation, GDPR and company policies.

• Experience leading a People Shared Services, HR Operations or HR Administration team.
• Strong knowledge of employee lifecycle processes and HR operations.
• Experience supporting or overseeing employee relations activity.
• A strong understanding of UK employment legislation.
• Experience working within large, operationally focused organisations.
• Knowledge of UK payroll administration and payroll processes.
• Experience working with HR systems, case management tools and people data.
• A track record of delivering process improvements and operational excellence.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.

• A confident and supportive people leader.
• Customer-focused and passionate about delivering excellent colleague experiences.
• Comfortable making decisions and guiding others through complex situations.
• Calm under pressure and able to balance multiple priorities.
• Analytical, organised and detail-orientated.
• Proactive and always looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
• An excellent relationship builder who can influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Our customers trust us - partnering with some of the UK's largest and most recognisable brands.
• Our people stay with us - we've built a collaborative, supportive culture where people are empowered to make an impact.
• We're ambitious - backed by recent recapitalisation, major investment, a clear strategy for long-term growth and a thriving fleet of almost 170,000 vehicles.
• We're award-winning - including Leasing Company of the Year (Fleet News 2026), Large Business of the Year and Diversity & Inclusion Award winners at the Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards, and Wellbeing Award winners at Fleet News 2025.
• We're leading the transition to sustainable mobility - with over 41% of our fleet now Battery Electric Vehicles and a long-standing commitment to sustainability.
• We're invested in your future - offering clear development opportunities, structured career pathways and the chance to build a long-term career with a market leader.

• Salary up to £60,000
• Annual bonus
• 24 days annual leave & 1 day for your birthday plus bank holidays
• The option to buy or sell holidays (+5 or
  -3)
• Individual Private Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Breakdown Cover
• Dental & Health Cash Plans
• Critical…