At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business leaders in delivering people strategies and enhancing employee experience.
- Company: Join RLB, a leading construction consultancy with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, tailored training, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to continuous learning and improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR while making a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR management and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Department: Human Resources
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London
Reporting to: Head of People and L&D
Why RLB?
We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives - we think they are priceless. Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways. We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector. You’ll continue to learn and advance as everyone who works for us is provided with a tailored training programme. Our mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes will enable you to share your expertise while gaining fresh insights.
What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee-owned business, teamwork and collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing. Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.
Department Overview:
RLB is a major international construction and property consultancy, currently embarking on an exciting expansion journey with challenging growth plans to meet our 2030 strategy. We are currently searching for a generalist People Manager to help us build and improve for the future as we continue to grow in the UK and internationally. Our focus at Rider Levett Bucknall is to create value for our customers, through the skills and passion of our people, and to nurture strong long-term partnerships. The People strategy supports the delivery of this through the attraction, development and retention of our exceptional and diverse colleagues. We strive to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be the best version of themselves through effective HR practices and the development and coaching of our teams.
Overview of Role:
This is a generalist People Manager role, supporting all regions of our UK business – primarily London. You will partner with the business to deliver the People strategy and help drive business performance, while also providing high-quality, hands-on support across core people activities.
The purpose of the role is to:
- Partner with business leaders to deliver the People strategy, translating business priorities into practical people plans that support growth, performance and retention.
- Provide expert, pragmatic advice across the employee lifecycle (including employee relations), coaching managers to build confidence and capability.
- Use people data and insight (e.g. headcount, turnover, absence, engagement themes) to identify risks and opportunities and influence actions with your client group.
- Role model and challenge behaviours to ensure they align with our values, creating an inclusive, high-performing and customer-focused culture.
Role Responsibilities
The responsibilities listed below are intended to be a broad but not exhaustive list.
- Strategic Partnering
Build strong relationships with Partners and managers, acting as a trusted advisor and first point of contact for people-related matters. Identify trends and provide clear recommendations, escalating risks and proposing action plans as needed. - Employee Relations (risk-managed, coaching-led)
Provide support and advice on a full range of employee relations activities including performance management, absence management, discipline and grievance procedures, flexible working and equal opportunities. Manage Occupational Health referrals and long-term absence cases, coaching managers on best practice and ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-up. Drive consistency in the application of absence management practices, identifying themes and recommending preventative actions. - Performance, Talent & Leadership Capability
Coach and support managers with performance management, goal setting, feedback and development conversations, promoting consistency and best practice. Contribute to talent and succession discussions, supporting actions that build capability and retain key skills. Identify development needs within your Stakeholder group and partner with L&D and People Ops colleagues to shape interventions and learning plans. - Commerciality
Develop a good understanding of your business areas and priorities, and how HR contributes to achieving business goals. Coach and influence our line managers to create high performing teams and help people be the best they can be to support the growth of our business. - Projects
Lead or contribute to People projects and change initiatives that improve colleague experience, manager capability and/or operational effectiveness. Work with the Head of People and L&D, and the wider People team, to identify opportunities for improvement, developing and implementing pragmatic solutions.
Candidate Profile
Proven experience in a generalist HR Manager/Business Partner role, ideally within a professional or commercial environment. Strong employee relations capability, with the confidence to coach and support managers while promoting fair, consistent outcomes. Able to build trusted relationships with leaders and managers, working collaboratively to deliver effective people solutions. Commercially aware, with an understanding of how people decisions support business performance and growth. Committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive culture, role modelling RLB’s values and behaviours. Comfortable using people data and insight to identify trends and inform decision-making. Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and best practice. Proactive, organised and detail-focused, with strong communication skills and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
RLB Employee Benefits
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Promise
We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@uk.rlb.com
People Manager employer: Rider Levett Bucknall
RLB is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters collaboration and innovation within the infrastructure sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth through continuous learning programmes and professional membership support, RLB ensures that its team members thrive while contributing to impactful projects. The company promotes a flexible working culture, competitive benefits, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion, making it an attractive choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Manager
✨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 Rider Levett Bucknall!
✨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 Rider Levett Bucknall.
We think you need these skills to ace People Manager
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 Rider Levett Bucknall. 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 Rider Levett Bucknall 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 Rider Levett Bucknall. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Rider Levett Bucknall'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 Rider Levett Bucknall
✨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 Rider Levett Bucknall.
✨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 Rider Levett Bucknall 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 Rider Levett Bucknall and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.