At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead people-focused services and drive culture initiatives for a thriving workplace.
- Company: The Union at MMU, a caring organisation dedicated to its community.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, hybrid working, and support for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with plenty of learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and organisational culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualification or equivalent HR experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35860 - 39429 £ per year.
The Union at MMU – a friendly organisation that genuinely cares about its community – is looking for an experienced and passionate People & Culture Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality, people-focused service.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing expert advice and coaching to managers and senior leaders, supporting effective people management and consistent application of best practice.
- Overseeing the full employee lifecycle, including inclusive recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management and employee relations.
- Maintaining up-to-date HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with UK employment law and sector standards.
- Driving culture, wellbeing and engagement initiatives that promote an inclusive, values-driven workplace where staff and students can thrive.
- Leading organisational development and learning, including the identification of training needs, coordinating development pathways and improving the integration into appraisal systems.
- Contributing to strategic planning by advising senior leaders on people-related risks, opportunities and organisational improvements.
- Overseeing and supporting people projects and change initiatives such as workforce development, culture programmes and improvements to people processes and systems.
- Leading data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, using people and operational insights to enhance services, systems and organisational effectiveness.
- Supporting the process and compliance with employee relations cases, including investigations, performance, grievances and disciplinaries, ensuring fair and timely outcomes.
- Line managing the Customer Services Manager and Union Administrator, ensuring high-quality delivery of customer-facing services and administrative support.
Skills and Experience
- A CIPD qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Demonstrable experience of working in HR management or in an HR advisory role.
- Experience of managing the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit.
- Experience of implementing HR systems, processes or improvement projects.
- Experience of embedding inclusive practices within the HR environment.
- Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and how to embed them in HR practice.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
- Practical problem solver with the ability to work independently to manage workload and ensure personal deadlines are met.
- Professional, empathetic, and confident when supporting staff and managers.
Benefits
- 26 days’ annual leave plus at least six discretionary days (four at Christmas and two at Easter) and Bank holidays.
- Employer pension contribution matched up to 6%.
- Hybrid working supported in line with business needs.
- Supportive, needs-based compassionate and other leave.
- Supportive maternity, parental, adoption and partner’s leave.
- Cost of your eye test covered and £100 towards new glasses.
- An employee assistance programme to support your wellbeing.
- Plenty of opportunities for learning and development.
- Access to student discounts online and in the city.
Salary: £35,860 to £39,429 per annum.
Contract and Hours: Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week (part-time applications welcomed).
Location: The Union, Manchester Metropolitan University, M15 6AD.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Thursday 18th June 2026.
People & Culture Manager in Manchester employer: Point 13 Jobs
The Union at MMU is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff within a vibrant community-focused environment. With a commitment to inclusivity, generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave plus discretionary days, and a supportive culture that encourages professional growth, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of Manchester. The organisation's dedication to fostering a values-driven workplace ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Culture Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work at organisations similar to The Union. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since The Union is all about community and inclusivity, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your alignment with these principles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! During interviews, be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed the full employee lifecycle and implemented HR best practices. Use data-driven examples to highlight your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Culture Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the People & Culture Manager role. Highlight your experience in HR management and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for people management and culture. Share specific examples of how you've driven engagement initiatives or improved HR processes in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Understanding of Inclusion:Since we're all about inclusivity, make sure to highlight your experience with embedding inclusive practices in HR. Talk about how you've contributed to creating a diverse workplace and how you plan to continue that at The Union. We’re keen on seeing your commitment to equality and diversity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our organisation and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Point 13 Jobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a People & Culture Manager, especially around inclusive recruitment and employee relations. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the nuances involved.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences managing the full employee lifecycle. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to implement HR systems and improve processes. This is your chance to demonstrate how your background aligns with the needs of the organisation.
✨Emphasise Culture and Wellbeing
Since the role focuses heavily on driving culture and wellbeing initiatives, think about how you've contributed to similar projects in the past. Be ready to share ideas on how to promote an inclusive, values-driven workplace, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their current people projects or how they measure employee engagement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation's values align with yours.
