At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to enhance employee experience and drive business performance.
- Company: Join a pioneering company in connected commerce marketing, shaping the future of retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, wellbeing fund, flexible working, and extra days off.
- Other info: Dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing high-performing teams and innovative learning programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience in people management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, London, two days per week in office
Salary: From £43k+ & 10% discretionary bonus
Level: Manager level, partnering across SMG and reporting to the Senior People Manager.
Who are we? We’re the original pioneers in connected commerce marketing. Since 2008, we’ve been partnering with major retailers, powering global brands, and building meaningful connections with shoppers. We simplify the mind-boggling complexity of today’s retail media landscape. We deliver impactful campaigns that connect with people where it matters. We create seamless and personalised shopping experiences. Above all, we deliver amazing results for our partners, driven by our unshakeable desire for growth. Time after time, we change the game. SMG is home to a world-class suite of commerce advertising capabilities powered by data and cutting-edge technology. We constantly push ourselves, our tech and our industry to discover innovative new ways to connect, sell and grow.
About the role
We are looking for a People Manager to join our People Team at SMG. You’ll be a trusted partner to leaders, managers and employees, providing practical people expertise that enables high-performing teams and creates a great place to work. Alongside coaching managers and leading people initiatives, you’ll help develop the SMG Learning Academy, deliver impactful learning programmes and continuously improve the processes that shape our employee experience. If you love variety, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and embrace change with energy, this could be the right role for you.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Partnering with leaders and managers to turn SMG’s People Strategy into practical initiatives that improve employee experience and business performance.
- Building trusted stakeholder relationships and providing pragmatic, commercially focused people advice.
- Identifying capability gaps and helping create development solutions that strengthen teams across SMG.
- Supporting the continued growth of the SMG Learning Academy and delivering high-quality learning programmes.
- Championing employee engagement, helping leaders interpret feedback and turn insights into meaningful action.
- Exploring how technology and AI can increase efficiency and enhance the delivery of People services.
A Little Bit About You
You’ll bring:
- Experience as a People Manager or Senior People Adviser, with the confidence and capability to take the next step in your career.
- A CIPD Level 3 or Level 5 qualification, or progress towards one.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and hands‑on experience managing employee relations matters.
- Experience supporting or delivering engaging learning and development initiatives.
- Previous line management, coaching or mentoring experience.
- Excellent communication, coaching, influencing and relationship‑building skills.
- The ability to build trusted partnerships with managers and senior stakeholders.
Don’t meet every single requirement? We still want to hear from you. If you believe you’d thrive in this role, your unique perspective might be just what we’re looking for.
Why SMG?
At SMG, we hire for the future, which is fast‑moving and changing shape. Do you have the potential to help shape our business? We’re looking for brilliant, diverse talent who want to grow with us - people who are curious, ambitious, and eager to learn, whether as specialists or across teams. We value those who take ownership of their growth and bring fresh perspectives. That’s why we’re committed to equity, inclusion, and building a place where everyone feels empowered to grow. At SMG, it’s not just about filling a role but building the future together.
Benefits
- 10% discretionary bonus
- £1,800 yearly wellbeing fund (on top of your salary!)
- Free Headspace subscription
- £500 yearly “Uni Fund” for learning
- 4 extra Wellbeing Days off per year
- Summer & Winter conferences + year-round celebrations
- 4pm finishes every Friday
- Flexible and hybrid working
Explore all our benefits here.
People Manager in London employer: SMG
At SMG, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by offering a supportive work culture that values your skills and contributions. With flexible scheduling and the opportunity to make a real difference in the community through our partnerships with local housing charities, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in Gloucester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Manager in London
✨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 SMG!
✨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 SMG.
We think you need these skills to ace People Manager in London
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 SMG. 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 SMG 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 SMG. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to SMG'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 SMG
✨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 SMG.
✨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 SMG 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 SMG and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
