At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR for a creative studio, managing the full employee lifecycle and supporting team growth.
- Company: Globally recognised architecture and design practice with a vibrant London studio.
- Benefits: Flexible working, international travel opportunities, and professional development programmes.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow long-term within the business and influence leadership strategies.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the culture of a leading design studio.
- Qualifications: Strong HR experience, knowledge of UK employment law, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
A globally recognised architecture and design practice is looking for an HR Leader to join its London studio in a standalone, Associate-level role. You would be joining an international practice with a long-established global HR network spanning the US, Asia, Middle East and Latin America, while acting as the key HR lead for the London office. The studio delivers major architecture and complex mixed-use projects globally, and this role sits at the centre of supporting the ongoing growth, culture and operational development of the London team. This is a broad, hands-on position suited to someone confident operating independently within a busy design-led environment.
You would work closely with senior leadership locally, while collaborating regularly with global HR, payroll, benefits and talent teams based internationally. The role would suit someone commercially aware, approachable and confident navigating both strategic and day-to-day HR matters within a creative studio environment. The studio is particularly interested in individuals who are looking to grow long term within the business and become a key part of the leadership and people strategy of the London office. This role offers flexible working, and some international travel opportunities.
Job Description
- Act as the lead HR contact for the London studio, managing the full employee lifecycle across the office.
- Partner closely with senior leadership and department heads on people strategy, employee relations and studio operations.
- Manage and update UK HR policies and procedures in line with current employment legislation and best practice.
- Support employee relations matters, providing practical and balanced HR guidance across the business.
- Coordinate recruitment activity alongside the global Talent Acquisition team, with the opportunity to bring elements of recruitment in-house.
- Oversee onboarding, inductions, sponsorship processes and employee documentation.
- Collaborate with global HR, payroll, benefits and learning teams based internationally.
- Support performance review processes, compensation reviews and wider people initiatives.
- Assist in developing training, engagement and professional development programmes across the London office.
- Help foster a positive, collaborative and communicative studio culture.
- Work closely with studio leadership to support the continued growth and evolution of the London office.
- Contribute to HR reporting, compliance processes and HR systems management.
Key Skills
- Strong HR experience, ideally within the architecture discipline.
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience operating in a standalone or highly autonomous HR position preferred.
- Confident managing employee relations matters with professionalism and discretion.
- Experience supporting sponsorships, compliance and HR policy development.
- Exposure to recruitment, talent acquisition and onboarding processes.
- Comfortable working within international businesses and collaborating across global teams.
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to work closely with senior leadership teams.
- Pragmatic, approachable and solutions-oriented mindset.
- Experience using HRIS systems; Vantagepoint knowledge beneficial but not essential.
- Organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage both strategic and operational responsibilities simultaneously.
This is a unique opportunity for a HR Associate to make their mark in a successful international studio.
Human Resources Manager employer: Scale Careers
Join a globally recognised architecture and design practice in London, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the HR landscape of a dynamic studio. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for international collaboration, this company fosters a vibrant work culture that values creativity and strategic thinking. As an HR Leader, you will not only manage the full employee lifecycle but also contribute to the ongoing development of a supportive and engaging environment, making it an excellent place for those looking to grow their careers in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the company through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company's culture and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR scenarios. They’ll want to see how you handle real-life situations, so be ready to share examples from your past experience that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the HR role we're offering. Highlight your HR experience, especially in architecture, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or initiatives you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your personality and explain why you're the perfect fit for our London studio. Mention your passion for HR and how you can contribute to our creative environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an HR Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership and teams. Use clear, concise language and make sure your writing is professional yet approachable.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scale Careers
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in standalone or autonomous positions.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about collaboration and communication. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed employee relations and worked closely with senior leadership. Highlight your approachable nature and solutions-oriented mindset.
✨Understand the Studio's Culture
Research the architecture and design practice thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their projects and values, and think about how you can contribute to fostering a positive studio culture. This will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be involved in people strategy and operational development, prepare to discuss your experience in these areas. Think about how you've supported performance reviews, training programmes, and recruitment processes in the past.
