People Operations Project Manager

Can you help us shape the culture to Inspire Futures?

The Science Museum Group encompasses the Science Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, the National Science & Media Museum, Locomotion and the Science and Innovation park; making us the world's greatest alliance of science museums.

Our People and Culture team play a vital role in delivering our mission, fostering an environment where colleagues feel empowered, supported and proud to belong in a space that is truly Open for All.

As part of this work, we're now looking for a People Operations Programme Manager to join us on a full‑time, fixed‑term basis until March 2030, supporting a significant period of transformation across our People Operations services.

About the Role

Sitting within the People Operations team, this role will lead the delivery of a programme of improvement initiatives designed to enhance the colleague experience, streamline people processes and strengthen operational efficiency.

A key focus of the role will be supporting the procurement and implementation of a new HR Information System, as part of a three‑year roadmap to ensure our People Operations services are future‑ready. This follows an extensive business process review and the identification of a defined portfolio of strategic initiatives.

Working closely with stakeholders across People & Culture, ICT and the wider organisation, you'll take ownership of translating recommendations into structured delivery plans, balancing short‑term enhancements with longer‑term strategic change. You'll track progress, manage risks and dependencies, and ensure improvements are effectively embedded without disruption to core services.

You'll also lead the People Systems and Analytics team, driving delivery of the system development roadmap and strengthening our reporting, analytics and data governance capability to support better insight and decision‑making.

This is a delivery‑focused role, combining hands‑on programme leadership with strong stakeholder engagement and change management, during a period of genuine momentum and opportunity for improvement.

This is a hybrid role, with two days per week based onsite at the National Railway Museum in York.

About You

You'll bring proven experience of managing complex programmes or portfolios within People Operations or HR Shared Services, with a strong track record of delivering high‑impact change.

You'll have demonstrable experience of implementing and optimising HR systems and a deep understanding of HR processes across the employee lifecycle. Comfortable working in complex environments, you'll combine delivery focus with strong systems thinking, analytical skills and sound judgement.

You'll be an engaging and confident communicator, able to build strong, productive relationships across a wide range of stakeholders and motivate others towards shared goals. Change‑savvy and solutions‑focused, you'll know how to balance competing priorities while maintaining momentum and attention to detail.

Most importantly, you'll bring a values‑driven approach and a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive, efficient and colleague‑centred People Operations service.

Don't feel you meet every requirement? We still encourage you to apply. With your transferable skills, you could be the right person for this role or for other opportunities with us.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

* Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
* Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
* Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
* Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
* Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
* Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
* Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
* Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
* Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=aHJzZXJ2aWNlLjA4NTcxLjExMTkzQHNjaWVuY2VtdXNldW0uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t