At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver people initiatives to enhance employee experience and drive business performance.
- Company: Join Universal Design Studio, a creative architecture and interiors practice with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable HR experience in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Other info: This is a 6-month maternity cover role with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee engagement and culture in a creative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Universal Design Studio (part of the AKQA Group and WPP) is an architecture and interiors practice based in London and New York, dedicated to creating spaces that inspire and endure. Founded in 2001 by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, the studio has built an international reputation for delivering thoughtful, finely crafted environments grounded in design-led strategy and research. We design from the inside out, crafting spaces that elevate everyday experiences. Through the ideas, objects, and spaces we create, we seek to cultivate intelligence, find beauty, and drive transformation, all while deepening connections, inspiring participation, and unlocking creative potential in every interaction.
As People Manager, you will help to advance a world-class employee experience for employees – current and future. You will have an excellent knowledge of industry best practices, but also push boundaries to bring to life the employee experience vision. The People Manager will partner with the studio leadership team and global People team to drive business performance through our people. This is a Fixed Term Contract position for Maternity Cover for 6 months.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
- Partner with leadership to proactively design and deliver people initiatives that support the business objectives.
- Utilise tools such as the employee engagement survey to help drive employee engagement, retention and growth of our teams.
- Partner with the global People team to identify, develop, and implement standardised processes, policies, and procedures to help drive a premium employee experience.
- Partner with the business to create a culture of strong managers and leaders who prioritise performance and career management discussions.
- Oversee the bi-annual performance management process and collaborate with managers to ensure a thorough and effective review process.
- Build solid relationships with employees and managers to create an employee-oriented culture that emphasises quality, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
- Analyse trends and metrics to recommend and implement gold-standard tools, practices and systems that attract, develop, and retain top talent.
- Support the Talent Acquisition team in the process of hiring full-time and contract workers and execute the full onboarding process to create a thorough candidate experience.
- Manage employee relations matters, organise and implement learning and development programs, and execute other special projects.
- Process and review monthly payroll using ADP.
- Advise employees and line managers on global mobility, visas, and immigration issues.
- Liaise with People colleagues from other studios on secondments and seek advice from external immigration partners where necessary.
- Ensure all processes and policies are compliant with local legislation; partner with legal team where appropriate.
- Share knowledge and best practices within the People team, as well as broadly within the organisation to ensure that people practices are highly effective and valued.
- Responsible for ad hoc Finance matters including acting as audit/bank contact, coordinating annual audit, and creating annual core services budget.
- Manage office responsibilities including leading security & safety measures, organising events, maintaining studio design and partnering with suppliers and landlord.
- Perform other job-related duties as required.
QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Experience in an HR management/business partnership role, supporting a creative and/or professional services business.
- Strong executive presence and communication skills.
- Ability to partner with remote teams in different markets.
- Ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritise workload with strong follow-through.
- Interest in taking the initiative to continually improve all People programs, policies, and processes.
- Ability to adapt to frequently changing schedules and priorities and experience in operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where change is constant and demanding, and clear structure/process may not be apparent.
- Pragmatic and outcome-oriented, leveraging data to tell a story and make recommendations.
Senior People Manager - Maternity Cover in London employer: Universal
Universal Design Studio is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where creativity thrives and every team member's contribution is valued. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages professional growth through mentorship and hands-on leadership opportunities. Joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking practice dedicated to crafting inspiring spaces while working alongside some of the industry's most talented professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Manager - Maternity Cover in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Universal and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Manager - Maternity Cover in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Universal. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Universal, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Universal uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Universal.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Universal.
