At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and create a vibrant workplace culture at Bearded Kitten.
- Company: Join Bearded Kitten, a global creative agency known for fun and unforgettable experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a quirky team that values creativity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee engagement and culture in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or working towards it, with 3+ years in HR, preferably in creative industries.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
TYPE: Fixed Term (12 months) Part Time (3 days / 24 hours a week)
REPORTS TO: Operations Director
DEPARTMENT: Operations
LOCATION: Unit 5, 5 Hancock Road, London, E3 3DA
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. With an ever growing client base across the UK and beyond - this is an opportunity to join a fast paced, innovative team.
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.
People & Culture Manager employer: Bearded Kitten
Bearded Kitten is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about delivering high-quality events and experiences. With a commitment to employee growth through training and mentoring, alongside generous benefits like hybrid working, flexi-time, and a supportive environment, you will thrive in a role that champions creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of London, Bearded Kitten offers unique opportunities to work on exciting projects with some of the world's biggest brands, ensuring every day is filled with fun and unforgettable experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Culture Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Bearded Kitten!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Bearded Kitten.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Culture Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Bearded Kitten. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Bearded Kitten and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Bearded Kitten. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Bearded Kitten's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bearded Kitten
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Bearded Kitten.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Bearded Kitten will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Bearded Kitten and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
