At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the employee experience and foster a thriving culture at MLA.
- Company: Join MLA, a creative hub for architects and designers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 9-day fortnight, and inclusive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people’s careers and workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or People and Culture with strong people skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- Competitive executive-level salary and benefits package
- Apply by
- September 25, 2026
- An exciting opportunity to join MLA in a new role
This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about people, culture and helping businesses grow.
Working closely with our directors and leadership team, you will help shape every stage of the employee experience - from attracting great people to supporting their development, wellbeing and long-term careers.
At MLA, we believe great design starts with great people. Our architects, interior designers, graphic designers and consultants work collaboratively as one team to create places that positively influence how people think, feel and behave.
We're looking for someone who shares that belief and wants to help create an environment where our own people can thrive.
As our People and Culture Manager, you'll become a trusted adviser to the directors, helping to shape our culture, support our teams across our three studios (Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester) and ensure MLA continues to be a fantastic place to work.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
You'll be equally comfortable advising Directors on people strategy as you are supporting an employee through their first day at MLA.
Key Responsibilities
- Work alongside the Directors to develop and deliver MLA's Culture strategy.
- Champion a positive, collaborative and inclusive culture across all MLA studios.
- Help build one connected practice whilst recognising the unique character of each office.
- Promote our values and ensure they are reflected throughout the employee experience.
- Lead MLA Colleague survey and drive outputs.
- Work with colleagues to drive incentives and events which support MLA 'One Team' Culture.
- Establish or develop culture focused networks/groups with other interested colleagues across all MLA studios.
- Recruitment & Talent
- Lead recruitment across the practice, from attracting talent through to onboarding.
- Build relationships with universities, degree shows and industry networks to strengthen our future talent pipeline.
- Support colleagues to recruit diverse, high-performing teams.
- Deliver a consistent and welcoming onboarding experience for all new employees.
- Learning & Development
- Coordinate probation reviews, annual development reviews and career conversations.
- Support mentoring, CPD and professional development opportunities across the practice.
- Help develop clear career pathways and promotion frameworks.
- Encourage continuous learning and knowledge sharing between teams and offices.
- Champion employee wellbeing and create initiatives that support a healthy, sustainable working environment.
- Work proactively with Directors to identify workload pressures and promote a positive work-life balance.
- Act as a trusted and approachable point of contact for employees across the practice.
- HR & Business Support
- Provide advice on employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Maintain and develop HR policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and good practice (with assistance from Worknest)
- Support Business admin team.
- Support Financial Director with salary reviews and industry benchmarking.
- Monitor HR metrics including recruitment, retention, absence and employee engagement.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and the overall employee experience.
- Work with key Directors to develop, deliver, and report on HR & Business Support.
- Supporting the Practice
- Work with Directors to support resource planning across projects and offices.
- Help ensure people are working on projects where they can develop and make the greatest contribution.
- Support MLA's commitments around Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, sustainability and social value.
- Support colleagues with relevant practice accreditations including Ecovadis and potentially BCorp.
- Contribute to the continued growth and success of the practice.
Skills and Qualifications
We're looking for someone who combines excellent people skills with commercial awareness and a proactive approach.
- Previous experience in a senior HR or People and Culture role.
- Strong understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience supporting recruitment, performance management and employee development.
- Experience supporting teams across multiple office locations.
- Ability to influence, coach and support colleagues.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- A collaborative, approachable and solutions-focused mindset.
- CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification.
- Experience within architecture, design, engineering or another professional services environment.
- Experience developing learning and development programmes.
- Experience leading employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
- Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion best practice.
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who
- Genuinely enjoys helping people succeed.
- Is approachable, empathetic and trusted by others.
- Has strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal awareness,
- Has the ability to read situations and respond appropriately.
- Understands that great businesses are built on great cultures.
- Can think strategically whilst being equally happy rolling up their sleeves.
- Enjoys improving systems and finding better ways of working.
- Has the confidence to challenge constructively and influence senior leaders.
- Wants to help shape the future of MLA as we continue to grow.
- About MLA
Our values are important to us
Be Considerate
Care about your colleagues and clients, and always consider the implications of our work for people, businesses and the environment.
Be Innovative
Listen carefully to our clients and collaborate to develop inventive architectural, interior and graphic design solutions aligned with their vision.
Be Passionate
Be energised and inspired by how design can transform the way people live, work and experience places.
Working with us
At MLA we are committed to equality, diversity and creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive.
Remuneration for this role will be commensurate with experience, expertise, and the strategic nature of the role together with our 9-day fortnight working pattern following successful completion of probation.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Find out what MLA have been up to this year
People and Culture Manager in Edinburgh employer: MLA Architects
MLA Architects is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of Glasgow. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while working on diverse projects from concept to construction. The company values sustainability and creativity, making it a rewarding place for designers looking to make a meaningful impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People and Culture Manager in Edinburgh
✨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 MLA Architects!
✨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 MLA Architects.
We think you need these skills to ace People and Culture Manager in Edinburgh
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 MLA Architects. 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 MLA Architects 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 MLA Architects. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to MLA Architects'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 MLA Architects
✨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 MLA Architects.
✨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 MLA Architects 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 MLA Architects and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
