At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of 20 Professional People Managers and shape people management strategy.
- Company: Join Grant Thornton, a forward-thinking firm focused on high-performance culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic environment with the chance to influence at a senior level.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming people management across diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience and a passion for developing high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are creating a Senior Associate Director role responsible for all Professional People Managers across Grant Thornton. The role leads a team of 20 Professional People Managers and sets strategy, standards, and culture for people management at firm scale, ensuring a high-performance, supportive environment for associates across all service lines.
Responsibilities
- Hold firmwide accountability for the Professional People Manager population, setting a clear vision, strategy and operating model that spans all service lines and teams.
- Define and embed what good looks like in professional people management – establishing clear expectations, standards and outcomes so that people experience high-quality, consistent support regardless of business area.
- Lead and develop the Professional People Manager community, building capability, confidence and consistency through targeted upskilling, structured development and strong senior leadership.
- Drive a high-performance culture by strengthening the quality of performance management, feedback, early intervention and accountability across the firm – ensuring issues are addressed fairly, confidently and at pace.
- Use insight, MI and themes from across the people manager population to identify improvement opportunities – translating this into tangible action.
- Lead change at pace, evolving existing models, resetting expectations where required, embedding improvements that simplify ways of working while maintaining high levels of quality, and introducing ownership of talent management.
- Partner closely with senior leaders, influencing at a senior level and ensuring people management priorities are aligned to the firm’s people strategy and future workforce needs.
- Ensure professional people management is delivered effectively so that there is less reliance on fee earners, allowing their time to be invested in high-value activity such as meaningful career conversations and development support.
Qualifications
- Strong people leadership experience with the ability to lead, coach and performance manage a large team.
- Experience leading and transforming people management capability at scale across multiple teams or business areas.
- Strong track record of driving a high-performance culture, including upskilling managers and embedding accountability.
- Confidence managing high volume operational activity with robust governance and prioritisation.
- Experience setting and enforcing clear standards – confident in resetting expectations, challenging inconsistency and holding others to account.
- Ability to handle sensitive issues with strong personal judgement in complex scenarios.
- Excellent stakeholder management with the ability to influence and operate credibly at senior level.
- Comfortable working with ambiguity, complexity and change, and able to turn strategic intent into practical, embedded ways of working.
Flexibility
We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares; we’ll support you to balance your work and life. We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations.
Associate Director - Professional People Managers in Milton Keynes employer: Grant Thornton UK
Grant Thornton is an exceptional employer that fosters a high-performance culture while prioritising employee well-being and development. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements, we empower our team members to balance their professional and personal lives, ensuring a supportive environment where innovative ideas thrive. As an Associate Director, you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic team, drive meaningful change, and shape the future of people management across the firm, all within a collaborative and growth-oriented workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Professional People Managers in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in your industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to reflect how you align with their vision. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them of your great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Professional People Managers in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Director role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and driving a high-performance culture, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our vision!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your people leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've developed teams and managed performance effectively. We love seeing real-life stories that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to show us what you can do without fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and let us know why you’d be a great fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grant Thornton UK
✨Know Your Leadership Style
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your leadership style and how it aligns with the role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, developed talent, and driven a high-performance culture in previous positions.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Grant Thornton's values and culture. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their vision for professional people management and how you would foster a supportive environment for associates across all service lines.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex scenarios and sensitive issues. Think of past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges, reset expectations, or influenced senior leaders, and be ready to articulate these clearly.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Since the role involves leading change at pace, prepare to discuss your experience with implementing new strategies or processes. Highlight how you've simplified ways of working while maintaining quality, and be ready to provide examples of tangible improvements you've achieved.
