At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate people practices for a global workforce at Luminate.
- Company: Join a mission-driven foundation focused on technology for public good.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to shape the future of technology and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how technology serves communities worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in people management and a passion for equitable practices.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Luminate is a global foundation working to ensure that technology serves our needs and wellbeing. Founded by The Omidyar Group in 2018 and funded by Pierre and Pam Omidyar, we are a US foundation with an independent board of directors, operating through entities in the US, the UK, and Kenya. We ask who benefits from a technology, and who is harmed by it. Digital technology must serve our needs and wellbeing. We know it has the potential to create connection, spark creativity, and provide a space of freedom and choice, because that was the promise of the early internet. But as state and corporate control tightened their grip on digital tools, that promise has narrowed. We want to change that trajectory, motivated by a radical vision: to restore the liberating potential of technology so that it serves the public good, planet, and people – particularly those historically marginalised. In the end our pursuit isn’t really about technology at all. It’s about the world we want to live in.
We work in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, with staff in those regions, including in Nigeria and Kenya, and locations in London, Washington, DC, and Nairobi. A global ecosystems programme strengthens the field as a whole. Since 2018 we have supported more than 500 partners and moved around $370 million to the field, with 252 partnerships live today. We do not bet on a single route to change. We fund policy engagement, strategic litigation, campaigning, and narrative work at once, and support organisations at every stage, from an idea that needs incubating to an institution that needs sustaining. We fund shared infrastructure that no single grantee would build alone, run our own advocacy where we can add something to it, and convene other funders to bring new resources into the field.
ROLE
As Senior Manager, People, you are Luminate’s senior People practitioner and the day-to-day leader of the People function. You build and steward fair, effective, and scalable people practices for a globally distributed workforce, translating organisational needs, employment requirements, data, and employee insight into clear decisions and dependable practice. You advise leaders and managers, lead the People team, manage external providers, and balance strategic foresight with hands‑on delivery, so that people can do their best work in service of Luminate’s mission.
Primary System focus
- Luminate’s people system: the end-to-end employee lifecycle, including workforce planning and organisation design; talent acquisition and onboarding; performance, development, reward, and wellbeing; employee relations; and the data, policies, technology, and operating practices that connect them.
Secondary Systems focus
- Luminate’s internal operating system: the interaction of people, money, processes, technology, legal, and risk in enabling mission delivery.
- Candidate, employee, and manager experience: the journeys of people in their interactions with Luminate’s systems and leadership practices.
Employment type: Full Time
Team: Operations
Location: London, United Kingdom
Reports to: Director, Finance & Operations
Works closely with: COO; Executive and Leadership Team members; all people managers; General Counsel; Finance; Systems & IT; Operations; and external employment, payroll, benefits, EOR/PEO, recruitment, and other People partners.
Salary Range: The recruiting range for this role represents the entry point into the salary band (not the full range). Actual salary will be determined based on skills and experience.
Benefits: Visit our Careers page for more information.
More information on Luminate can be found on our website: https://luminategroup.com
If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to the next step, which includes formal interviews and meeting select members of the team. Applications are due by Sunday - 23 August 2026 at 11:59pm (UK time).
Senior Manager, People employer: Luminate
Luminate is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact. With a focus on employee growth and development, the company offers ample opportunities for advancement while supporting a multi-revenue model that aligns with its mission. Located in a vibrant area, Luminate provides a dynamic environment where finance and operations leaders can thrive and contribute to the organisation's strategic goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, People
✨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 Luminate!
✨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 Luminate.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, People
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 Luminate. 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 Luminate 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 Luminate. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Luminate'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 Luminate
✨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 Luminate.
✨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 Luminate 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 Luminate and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
