Senior HR Manager in Manchester

We’re looking for a commercially minded Senior HR Manager to take ownership of all people matters across our UK studio (~600 employees). Reporting to the Head of People, you’ll partner with senior leadership on ER, policy, compliance and people operations, contribute to global HR projects alongside our teams in Montreal, Austin and Frankfurt, and line manage our People Coordinator. This is an onsite role based at our studio in Manchester.

Responsibilities:

• Own all ER casework across the UK studio, including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and absence, delivering legally compliant and commercially sound outcomes.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers, leadership and executive stakeholders, delivering pragmatic HR counsel that drives better decision‑making and business performance.
• Oversee a high‑quality employee lifecycle, leveraging HRIS, AI tools and automation to streamline processes and improve the colleague experience at scale.
• Keep UK HR policies current and compliant, translating legislative changes into clear, accessible guidance for the business.
• Track and analyse key people metrics (turnover, absence, ER caseload), using data‑driven insight to recommend proactive interventions to leadership.
• Contribute to and lead cross‑functional people projects with global HR peers in Montreal, Austin and Frankfurt, ensuring UK needs are well represented.
• Champion the studio’s culture and values, partnering with leadership on engagement initiatives and creating an environment where people do their best work.
• Lead and develop the People Coordinator, setting clear priorities and ensuring effective day‑to‑day HR operations across the studio.

Benefits:

• Employer funded tax‑free Health Reimbursement Arrangement for qualified medical expenses up to $5,000 per employee and $15,000 per family.
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts.
• Paid Short and Long Term Disability Leave.
• Life Insurance & AD&D coverage.
• 401(k) Plan with up to 4% company match.
• Pet Insurance.
• Discounted Gym Membership through CIGNA.
• Yearly Flu‑shot Clinic.
• Employee Resource Groups for traditionally underrepresented groups, minorities and allies.
• Full Medical, Dental and Vision coverage (100% free for employee level coverage and subsidised for dependents).

Qualifications:

• A credible, confident HR advisor who can influence at all levels — translating business objectives into effective people strategies and communicating employment law clearly to non‑HR audiences.
• Experience managing and developing direct reports, with a coaching mindset and a commitment to building a high‑performing HR function.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge and advise senior stakeholders while maintaining strong working relationships.
• Data‑literate and comfortable working with people metrics to identify trends and inform decision‑making, with hands‑on experience of HRIS platforms and a genuine interest in HR technology and automation.
• Significant HR experience at a senior level, ideally within a fast‑paced, complex organisation, with a strong track record in ER case management and a thorough understanding of UK employment law.