People & Culture Manager in London

THE COMPANY
Bearded Kitten is a global creative experience agency with a portfolio of award-winning work. Our mission is clear: to fearlessly champion fun and create the unforgettable. From large scale brand experiences to cultural launch events, from building immersive worlds to conferences and employee engagement initiatives - we cover it all. It's an exciting time to be a Kitten, in the past year the company has grown rapidly and we've worked with some of the world's biggest brands.

THE ROLE
We are looking for a proactive and people-focused People & Culture Manager to lead our HR function and help shape a workplace where individuals feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. This role covers the full employee lifecycle and is hands on. You will play a critical part in fostering a positive culture, ensuring compliance, and driving people-focused initiatives that align with our values and goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employee Relations & Performance Management: Act as a trusted point of contact for employees and line managers, offering clear and confidential guidance on a range of HR matters, including conduct, conflict resolution, well-being, grievances, and disciplinary processes. Support line managers in giving feedback, managing performance, and navigating sensitive conversations in a fair, constructive, and legally compliant manner.
• Policy Development & Compliance: Regularly review, update, and maintain HR policies and programs to ensure clarity, relevance, and compliance with employment legislation as well as enhancing workplace culture. Stay up to date with UK employment law and HR best practices to ensure all advice, documentation, and practices reflect current legal standards and company values.
• Culture, Engagement & Communication: Design and implement initiatives that promote a fun and inclusive workplace culture, rooted in belonging. Monitor employee feedback and emerging trends, working collaboratively with leadership to improve workplace culture, performance processes, and employee engagement. Lead on internal engagement strategies that include monthly team events as well as coordinating an annual overnight offsite.
• Recruitment & Onboarding: Manage the recruitment lifecycle including identifying suitable advertising platforms and recruiters, writing job descriptions, sourcing candidates, screening, interviewing, and managing the selection process. Prepare and administer all new starter documentation and facilitate the induction process for all new starters. Set up all necessary IT systems, email accounts, and software access to ensure new employees are fully equipped. Work closely with the Operations Coordinator to source and purchase the appropriate technology and desk equipment for each new starter.
• Payroll, Benefits & Budget Management: Support the finance team with monthly overtime reporting, accurately inputting data into the HR System. Manage employee benefits programs, including enrolment, changes, and communications. Ensure effective allocation, tracking, and reconciliation of internal budgets totalling approximately £100k annually.
• Internship Program Management: Actively source, build, and nurture relationships with charities, universities, and community organisations to create a consistent pipeline of diverse intern candidates across a range of disciplines and backgrounds. Champion the internship program and coordinate internship placements internally, ensuring a valuable learning experience for interns.

THE PERSON
Holds or actively working towards a CIPD Level 5 (Associate Diploma in People Management). 3+ years experience working in the HR function, preferably in the creative industries. Strong HR knowledge with a solid understanding of UK employment law, HR policies, and compliance requirements. Comfortable working with IT systems and able to coordinate tech setup and support. Experience working in a small or scaling business with a hands-on, generalist approach. Exposure to diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives and a passion for driving inclusive culture. Empathetic and approachable, with excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. A strong communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences. Highly organised and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. A proactive problem-solver, capable of working independently and making sound decisions. Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation. Discreet and trustworthy, with a strong sense of integrity and respect for confidentiality.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
25 days paid holiday, plus Bank Holidays. 1 additional day added per year of service up to 5 days. Pro rata'd for part time employees. Approximately five additional days off over the Christmas/New Year period. Hybrid working. Minimum 2 days from the office, compulsory office day on Wednesdays. Flexi-time policy. Generous overtime policy. Discretionary end of year bonus scheme. New Business Incentive Scheme from day one. Employee Referral Incentive Policy from day one. Sabbatical Scheme available after three years of service. Work mobile and/or eSim and work laptop. Employee assistance programme with free access to mental health resources. Enhanced maternity & paternity leave policy after 1 year of full service. 3 months full pay including statutory for lead carer or 1 month full pay including statutory for second carer. Monthly team socials, plus an annual team offsite with overnight stay. Free use of BK equipment; workshop, tools, rehearsal space etc for personal use. Season ticket loans offered. Cycle to work scheme. Guaranteed hilarity and nonsense on a daily basis.