At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our people strategy, support managers, and champion culture and wellbeing.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Southpaw, part of a global advertising group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a creative and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our agency and make a real impact on our people.
- Qualifications: Solid HR experience and a passion for culture and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Salary: £50k pro rata
Type: Part-Time, Permanent (0.8 FTE)
About Southpaw
We're a diverse group of creators, producers, strategists and client service pros, all united by a passion for brilliant work and a challenger mindset. Now we’re looking for a People and Culture Manager to align our talent strategies with our company values.
The Role
We are looking for a People & Culture Manager to join us four days a week, working closely with our MD, Ops Manager, and Financial Controller to ensure Southpaw remains a great place to work and that our people agenda keeps pace with our growth. This is a broad, hands-on role covering the full people function - from day-to-day HR operations through to longer-term priorities around talent, development and culture.
What you'll be doing
- People & Culture
- Work with the MD and senior leadership team to evolve our people strategy as we grow
- Support and coach our managers to have better conversations, develop their teams, and handle the difficult stuff with confidence
- Lead on employee relations - being a calm, sensible, trusted voice when things get complicated
- Keep our HR policies up to date and compliant, and provide the training to the managers and employees to support them
- Oversee performance management and help us build a culture of honest, useful feedback
- Recruitment & onboarding
- Lead on hiring - from briefing to offer, working with the hiring manager and office manager on the logistics
- Work on our employer branding to ensure we’re positioned to attract the best talent
- Make sure new starters land well and feel part of the team from day one
- Learning & development
- Spot development gaps and build L&D approaches that work for a creative team
- Oversee our IPA CPD Gold accreditation, making sure we're recognising and investing in learning across the agency
- The Vibe - Culture & wellbeing
- Get stuck into The Vibe, our internal social committee, bringing ideas and energy to how we celebrate, connect, and have fun as a team
- Think proactively about awareness moments that matter - Mental Health Awareness Week, World Inclusion Day, IWD etc and make sure we mark them in ways that feel authentic
- Champion wellbeing in a way that's practical, visible, and welcomed by the team
- Employer Brand - Southpaw Social Club
- Work with our social media offering, Southpaw Social Club, to help tell our employer brand story - what it's like to work here, who we are, and why people should want to join us
- Feed ideas and content angles into our social channels that showcase our culture and people
- Keep website jobs page updated and enticing
- DEI & New Business Support
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across everything we do - from how we hire to how we listen
- Help us build on what we're doing well and be honest about where we can do better
- Help pull together people and culture information when it's needed for new business pitches - credentials, team stats, culture narrative, policies etc
What we're looking for
- Solid HR experience, ideally including time in a small or growing business where you've had to be resourceful and make things happen without a big team behind you
- A genuine generalist - comfortable moving between ER advice, recruitment, policy, and culture
- Creative, media, or agency experience would be a real plus - you'll get the pace and the personalities
- A good understanding of UK employment law and how to apply it commercially in a growing agency
- Some experience with or curiosity about DEI, employer brand, and employee engagement beyond the usual survey and away day
- B Corp knowledge or experience could be a bonus
- CIPD qualification or on the journey to being CIPD trained
Why Southpaw?
- A team that's talented, collaborative, and takes the work seriously without taking themselves too seriously
- Real variety - no two weeks will look the same
- The chance to shape culture and be part of the conversation at a growing, global-connected independent
- Tunbridge Wells base with flexibility – Ideally this role will be onsite Monday to Thursday but there is some flexibility around this
- There could be some flexibility around the work pattern of this role - if you are looking for a 3 day week or shorter days across 5 days please get in touch
- We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
People and Culture Manager in Maidstone employer: Southpaw
At Southpaw, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and inclusive workplace where creativity thrives and every voice matters. As a People and Culture Manager, you'll enjoy a flexible part-time role in the picturesque Tunbridge Wells, with opportunities for professional growth and the chance to shape our dynamic culture. Join a talented team that values collaboration and innovation, all while contributing to meaningful projects for challenger brands across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People and Culture Manager in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a People and Culture Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your social media game on point! Showcase your expertise in HR and culture on platforms like LinkedIn. Share insights, articles, or even your thoughts on current trends in the industry to attract attention from potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Remember, they want someone who fits in with their vibe, so be authentic!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Southpaw.
We think you need these skills to ace People and Culture Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for people and culture.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience. Show us how your skills align with our needs, especially in HR operations and culture-building.
Showcase Your Experience:We love a good story! Share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to handle employee relations, recruitment, and development. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southpaw
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Southpaw's values and culture. Familiarise yourself with their work in the beauty, drinks, and lifestyle sectors. This will help you align your experience with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your HR Skills
Be ready to discuss your HR experience in detail, especially in small or growing businesses. Prepare examples of how you've handled employee relations, recruitment, and performance management. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy agency environment.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Think about how you can contribute to Southpaw's culture and wellbeing initiatives. Come prepared with ideas for celebrating awareness moments or enhancing their employer brand. This shows that you're proactive and ready to make an impact from day one.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about their people strategy and how they approach diversity, equity, and inclusion. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Southpaw is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street!
