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 culture.
- 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 future of HR in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong HR experience, knowledge of UK employment law, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 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.
- 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 in London 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 and a collaborative culture, this position offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for international travel, making it an ideal environment for those looking to advance their careers while contributing to innovative projects. The company values long-term development and encourages you to become an integral part of its leadership and people strategy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Manager in London
✨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 us insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the studio's recent projects and culture. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their creative environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR scenarios and questions. We should be ready to discuss our approach to employee relations and how we’d handle specific situations, showcasing our confidence and expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us on their radar and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Manager in London
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 strong HR experience, especially within the architecture discipline, and don’t forget to mention any relevant UK employment law knowledge!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for HR and how you can contribute to our London studio's culture and growth. Be sure to mention your experience in managing employee relations and supporting recruitment processes.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working closely with senior leadership and global teams, make sure your application demonstrates your strong communication skills. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, let us see how you can engage and collaborate effectively.
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 to join our international practice!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scale Careers
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you can navigate complex HR matters with ease.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
Prepare examples of how you've contributed to people strategy in previous roles. Think about times when you've partnered with leadership to drive HR initiatives or improve studio culture—this will demonstrate your ability to operate at a strategic level.
✨Be Ready for Real Scenarios
Expect situational questions about employee relations and recruitment processes. Have specific examples ready that showcase your problem-solving skills and how you've handled challenging situations in the past.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with global teams, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated across different departments or regions. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability to show that you're a team player.
