Senior HR Manager -12mth FTC in City of London

Our client is a world class design and branding agency who are looking for an experienced Senior HR Manager to cover a 12-month FTC starting in July/August. This isn’t a role for someone still finding their feet; they 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 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.

What you’ll bring:

• Significant senior HR generalist experience; you'll know your stuff and not 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.

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 + summer day close.

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. Successful candidates will be contacted within 7 days.