People Operations Manager

Final date to receive applications: 1 November 2026

Department: People Operations

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: London

Compensation: £60,000 / year

Salary: £60,000

Bonus: Discretionary

Location: Kings Cross, London
- Tuesday
- Thursday (3 days) at HQ, Monday + Friday from home.

Employment Type: Permanent, full time

Closing Date: Sunday 1 November 2026

ARIA is a new R&D funding agency built to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on.

Our success is shaped by one question: how will ARIA transform the lives of the UK’s future generations? Whether that’s a life-changing new technology or a burgeoning new industry, it should be obvious that ARIA played a catalytic role. If you want to help make breakthroughs like these possible, come and build ARIA with us.

Learn more here.

ARIA is looking for an experienced People Operations Manager to join our growing team and play a key role in shaping and delivering an excellent People experience across the organisation.

This is a hands‑on, varied role where you’ll be a trusted partner to employees, managers and senior leaders, providing practical advice and guidance across the employee lifecycle. You’ll coach and support managers to navigate people matters with confidence, while ensuring our policies, processes and practices are fair, effective and aligned with UK employment legislation.

You’ll also have the opportunity to make a real impact on how we work. From improving People processes and making the most of our technology and data, to supporting performance, wellbeing, learning and development, you’ll help create an inclusive and engaging environment where our people can do their best work.

If you’re passionate about people, enjoy solving problems and bring strong HR knowledge, sound judgement and a collaborative approach, we’d love to hear from you.

The scope of the role will evolve as ARIA continues to grow, but will broadly involve the following:

• Build effective working relationships with colleagues and managers at all levels, providing trusted advice and guidance on People policies, people-related matters and best practice.
• Champion a positive, engaging workplace culture and holistic employee wellbeing by gathering feedback and developing targeted initiatives. Ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion principles are embedded consistently in everyday practice.
• Partner with the Talent team to ensure a smooth transition from recruitment to onboarding - providing new starters with the guidance and support they need for a positive onboarding experience.
• Support the full performance management cycle (probation, goals, appraisals, and PIPs), providing targeted guidance that empowers managers to handle people matters and performance conversations confidently and effectively.
• Develop, maintain and regularly review People policies and processes, ensuring they reflect good People practice and comply with relevant employment legislation and company requirements. Promote consistent and fair application of policies across the organisation.
• Directly line manage, coach and support the development of the People Operations Associate, providing clear direction, prioritising workloads, and supporting their ongoing growth and development.
• Own the day-to-day People Operations activities, payroll processing, and the HRIS (Bob), ensuring all employee data, pay, and…