Senior People Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior People Manager to provide direct line management and day-to-day leadership to colleagues within delivery, while playing a critical role in shaping a high-performing, people‑centred culture across the UBDS group. This role sits at the heart of the organisation’s matrix leadership structure. The Senior People Manager is accountable for ensuring that each colleague receives consistent, high-quality leadership from a people, performance, and wellbeing perspective, working in close partnership with Engagement Leads and Capability Champions, who provide project, technical, and functional direction. In addition, the Senior People Manager holds primary responsibility for onboarding colleagues based in Manchester and London, ensuring every new starter experiences a professional, welcoming, and well‑structured introduction to the UBDS group and is fully set up for success from day one. This role is an integral part of the People Team and reports directly to the Group Chief People Officer.

Responsibilities

• People Strategy & Development: Lead and execute people‑focused strategies aligned to the UBDS group’s vision, embedding a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous development. Champion colleague development initiatives, ensuring appropriate training, mentoring, and leadership development pathways are in place. Partner with senior leadership to shape and deliver talent management, succession planning, and workforce development strategies.
• Direct Line Management & Matrix Leadership: Act as the direct line manager for colleagues within delivery, providing day‑to‑day people management, including performance, wellbeing, engagement, and career development. Operate as a core part of the matrix leadership model, working closely with Engagement Leads and Capability Champions to ensure colleagues receive aligned and coherent leadership across people, technical, functional, and project dimensions. Provide clear accountability, regular 1:1s, and consistent feedback to ensure colleagues feel supported, valued, and enabled to perform at their best. Manage and resolve complex people matters fairly and compassionately, applying sound judgment and best practice in line with UK employment legislation and ACAS guidance. Build strong, trusted relationships with colleagues, fostering open communication and a culture of respect and psychological safety.
• Onboarding & Colleague Experience (Manchester & London): Take primary ownership of the onboarding experience for colleagues based in Manchester and London, ensuring an in‑person consistent, professional, and welcoming process. Ensure new starters are fully equipped for success from day one, including clarity on role expectations, line management, ways of working, and integration into the matrix structure. Continuously review and improve onboarding processes, working with stakeholders across the business to enhance the early colleague experience.
• Employee Engagement & Culture: Design and deliver initiatives that enhance employee engagement, retention, and overall wellbeing. Actively promote an inclusive, values‑led culture where diverse perspectives are encouraged and colleagues feel empowered to contribute. Serve as a trusted conduit between colleagues and leadership, ensuring employee voice is heard and acted upon appropriately.
• Organisational Psychology & Wellbeing: Apply principles from psychology or organisational psychology to improve employee experience, job satisfaction, and mental wellbeing. Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders to implement wellbeing initiatives, mental health support, and psychological safety practices. Use data and insight to assess the effectiveness of people initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
• Performance Management & Continuous Improvement: Lead the performance review process for direct reports, ensuring alignment with development goals and a strong focus on constructive feedback and growth. Coach and support colleagues to identify strengths and development areas, embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Proactively identify people‑related challenges and implement solutions that improve productivity, morale, and engagement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Human Resources, or a related field. Professional qualifications in HR or People Management (e.g. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)) are advantageous.
• Experience: 5–7 years’ experience in a People Management or Human Resources leadership role, with a minimum of 3 years in a direct, front‑line line management capacity. Experience working within a consulting or professional services environment. Demonstrable experience managing colleagues within a matrix organisational structure. Proven track record of developing and managing diverse teams and driving people initiatives that improve engagement, retention, and performance. Experience using a Human Capital Management system (BambooHR preferred).
• Skills & Competencies: Strong commitment to people leadership and developing others. Proven ability to operate effectively within a matrix environment. Excellent understanding of organisational psychology and its practical application. Outstanding communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. Data‑driven and analytical to people decision‑making. Strong conflict resolution skills, applied with empathy and professionalism. High emotional intelligence and the ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion and integrity.

Why people choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group: Professionals choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group for its reputation as a dynamic and forward‑thinking organisation that is deeply committed to both innovation and employee development. At UBDS Group, employees are given unique opportunities to work on cutting‑edge projects across a diverse range of industries, exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities that are pivotal for professional growth. The Group’s culture emphasises continuous improvement, offering ample training programs, mentorship, and the chance to gain certifications that enhance their skills and marketability. UBDS Group fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged, allowing employees to contribute ideas and solutions that have a tangible impact on the company and its clients. This combination of professional development, a culture of innovation, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions makes UBDS Group an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers and be at the forefront of technological and operational excellence.

Employee Benefits: Training – All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies. We want you to grow with us and to help us achieve more. Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality. Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance. Holiday – You will receive 25 Days holiday, plus 1 day for Birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays. Electric Vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice. Contributed Pension Scheme. Death in service cover.

About UBDS Group: At UBDS Group our mission is to support entrepreneurs who are setting new standards with technology solutions across cloud services, cybersecurity, data and AI, ensuring that every investment advances our commitment to innovation, making a difference, and creating impactful solutions for organisations and society.

Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.