Senior HR Manager - 12mth Fixed Term Contract in London

Jones Knowles Ritchie is a branding business, founded in 1990 and proudly independent ever since. We started out in the world of packaging, but now we’re worldwide: from three founders, to more than 300 of us across the UK and USA. Together, we build and deliver brands across the entire consumer experience. But even more important than what we do, is why we do it. We’re here to inspire brands and people to be their true selves. To be brave. Be tenacious. And above all, be yourself. Because we believe that’s the only way to truly be distinctive, everywhere.

We are seeking a Senior HR Manager (known internally as Senior Talent Manager) to cover a 12-month FTC starting in July/August. You'll be working with an HRD to support 170 staff in the London office. This isn’t a role for someone still finding their feet; we need an experienced people professional who’s been around the block, ideally in a creative environment or agency world, and can walk in on day one ready to go. You’ll be stepping into some big shoes, so the ability to build trust quickly, bring genuine warmth, and get stuck in without a long runway is essential.

If you’re the kind of person who thrives in a fast-moving, creative environment, loves people as much as you love a good process, and can handle the tough stuff without losing your smile, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing:

• Building real, trusted relationships with senior leaders, not just a seat at the table, but a genuine voice in how to grow and develop people.
• Acting as the go-to Business Partner for the London employee base.
• Coaching and supporting managers through the full spectrum of people matters, from the everyday to the complex, with calm, pragmatism, and good humour.
• Getting ahead of employee relations issues before they escalate and navigating them thoughtfully when they do.
• Working with leaders to spot L&D opportunities and build out learning plans that actually move the needle on performance and capability.
• Being the person employees and managers alike turn to for clear, consistent, fair guidance on all things HR/Talent.
• Keeping one eye on employment law and the HR landscape so policies stay sharp, relevant and ahead of the curve.
• Championing culture and wellbeing initiatives that make the business a great place to work.
• Owning the admin that comes with the employee lifecycle where required, because the detail matters too.
• Rolling up your sleeves on some brilliant people projects that may arise, e.g. internship programmes.

Requirements:

• Significant senior HR generalist experience; you'll know your stuff and not be afraid to back yourself.
• Experience in a creative, design or agency environment is essential; you’ll need to speak the language and earn your stripes fast.
• A natural ability to build relationships and connect with people at every level; you’re warm, credible, and adaptable.
• Sharp commercial instincts; you get how people strategy drives business performance.
• A solutions-first mindset; you’re not one to sit on a problem.
• Comfortable using data to shape your thinking and make a compelling case.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and the emotional intelligence to handle sensitive situations with real care.
• The kind of energy and self-sufficiency that means you don’t need handholding; you’re up and running quickly.
• Resilient, resourceful, and genuinely excited by the idea of making a difference in a creative business.

Please apply with a cover letter detailing your interest & match to the role, an idea of your availability and right to work in the UK.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary + strong overall benefits.
• Hybrid working (minimum 2 days in office).
• Central London location.
• Private healthcare (including dental) + income protection & life insurance.
• 25 days holiday + Christmas/New Year closure + birthday off + 2 x summer days off.