Business Operations & People Lead

This role is responsible for people management, company culture, and internal business governance within a growing professional services environment. The role ensures HR processes, operational controls, and workplace practices are managed professionally and consistently.

JOB SUMMARY

Our client is seeking a Business Operations & People Lead to join their team in Barbados. This role is responsible for people management, company culture, and internal business governance within a growing professional services environment. Working closely with leadership, the role ensures HR processes, operational controls, and workplace practices are managed professionally, consistently, and with sound judgment.

The position plays a key role in supporting the organisation’s internal operations by ensuring that people practices, administrative systems, and operational controls function smoothly. The Business Manager also serves as a trusted internal partner to leadership, helping ensure that employee matters, workplace culture, and internal governance processes are managed effectively as the organisation grows.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

People & HR Management

• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment coordination, onboarding, probation management, performance management, disciplinary processes, and employee exits.
• Coordinate recruitment activities with external recruiters, including reviewing resumes/CVs, conducting preliminary interviews, and assisting with candidate selection and onboarding.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, job descriptions, employment contracts, and related HR documentation.
• Provide guidance and support to managers on performance management, workplace conduct, and employee relations matters.
• Act as a confidential escalation point for employee concerns and sensitive people matters where required.

Culture Development

• Serve as a custodian of company culture, ensuring the organisation’s values and expected behaviours are reinforced consistently.
  Support leadership in maintaining a professional, respectful, and accountable workplace environment.
• Reinforce culture through recruitment, onboarding discussions, probation reviews, and performance management conversations.
• Address behavioural or cultural issues early, fairly, and consistently when they arise.

Payroll Oversight & Governance

• Provide independent oversight of payroll inputs prior to processing by Accounts.
• Review and validate timesheet summaries and payroll data to identify discrepancies or anomalies.
• Ensure payroll cut-off timelines, approval processes, and escalation procedures are followed.
• Maintain documentation evidencing payroll review and oversight.
• Escalate payroll discrepancies or risks to Accounts and leadership where necessary.

Office Operations & Administration

• Oversee day-to-day office operations, ensuring the workplace remains organised, professional, and well maintained.
• Coordinate facilities management, including landlord communication, office maintenance, and service providers.
• Manage office supplies, equipment, and administrative support functions.
• Support workplace health and safety administration and maintain a safe and functional office environment.

Administrative & Financial Controls

• Support internal administrative governance and operational controls.
  Review and approve, within authorised limits:
  • Petty cash replenishment
  • Purchase order requests
  • Monthly bills prior to payment
• Assist with administrative controls relating to online banking, company credit cards, and payment platforms where required.
• Maintain organised administrative records to ensure documentation is accurate and audit-ready.

Vendor & Compliance Coordination

• Coordinate vendor onboarding, contract renewals, and recurring service providers.
• Assist with contract administration and escalate issues to leadership when required.
• Maintain HR policies, procedures, and operational documentation.
  Stay informed of employment legislation and HR best practices to support compliance.

Meetings & Operational Follow-Through

• Support internal meetings through scheduling and coordination where required.
• Take minutes when necessary and track follow-up actions.
• Ensure HR and administrative matters are closed out fully and on time.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of relevant experience 
• Strong understanding of:
  • Employee lifecycle management
  • HR governance and compliance
  • Payroll oversight and operational controls

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgement when managing sensitive matters.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through effectively.
• Comfortable working closely with senior leadership and acting as a trusted internal partner.

Preferred Skills, knowledge & Experience

• HR certification (e.g. SHRM-CP or equivalent).
• Experience working within a professional services or multi-office environment.
• Exposure to administrative governance, financial controls, or operational approvals.
• Demonstrated ability to support and reinforce positive organisational culture through people practices and workplace systems.