HR Operations Manager

Organisation: Stockport County Football Club
Salary: Up to £42,000
Location: Edgeley Park, Stockport
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 20 March 2026
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
How to apply: To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to ellie.oconnor@stockportcounty.com. Closing Date – Friday 20th March, 5pm. Provisional Start Date: July 2026 Please note that all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a club application form as part of their application. Stockport County Promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK. Safeguarding: Safeguarding at Stockport County Football Club is everyone’s responsibility, and we strive to ensure it is the golden thread through all the work we do. As part of our commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults who engage in any club activities, all posts (including interns and volunteers) are subject to relevant background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed. This includes appropriate references, DBS and right to work checks.