Senior HR Manager - London

Senior HR Manager - London

London Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR operations and enhance employee experience across our vibrant fashion brand.
  • Company: Join Varley, a contemporary fashion brand empowering women globally.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive, female-led team driving positive change.
  • Why this job: Shape the people strategy of a growing brand while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 10 years of HR experience, ideally in retail or fashion.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

Varley is a contemporary fashion brand for the modern woman.

Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife Lara and Ben Mead, we are an international, family-run business headquartered between London, Los Angeles, and New York.

We create year-round collections designed to build an elevated wardrobe for how women live and move.

From knitwear and outerwear to everyday staples and active pieces, our collections blend style, function, and versatility.

Varley exists to instil quiet confidence through meaningful connections that enhance everything women already are. As women’s lives evolve, so do we.

Our international family-run team is 85% female, making us proud to be a brand for women, by women.

We are guided by two core beliefs: the pursuit of quality in everything we do and looking after one another.

Location: London Head Office (with regular UK travel)
Reports to: HR Director / People Director
Direct Reports: HR Manager (Chesterfield)

Job Specification

We areseekingan experienced, commercially minded and people-focused Senior HR Managerto lead all UK HR operationsacross Varley.

Based in our London Head Office, this role willbe responsible foroverseeing the full employee lifecycle for both Retail and Head Office teams, ensuring an exceptional colleague experience while supporting the achievement of businessobjectives.

The Senior HR Manager will act as a trusted partner to senior leaders, providing strategic and operational HRexpertiseacross employee relations, talent management, organisational development, engagementand employment law compliance.

This role will also lead and develop the HR Manager based in our Chesterfield officeand HR Coordinator in the London officeensuring consistent delivery of HR support across the UK business.

The ideal candidate will have at least10 years' HR experience, ideally within a fast-paced retail, fashionor consumer-focused environment, and will genuinely enjoy supporting both retail colleagues and Head Office employees.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic HR Leadership
  • Partner with senior leaders to develop and implement HR strategies that support business growth and organisationalobjectives.
  • Provide expert coaching and guidance to stakeholders on people-related matters.
  • Support organisational design, workforceplanningand change programmes.
  • Use people data and insights to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Employee Relations
  • Lead and manage complex employee relations cases across the UK business.
  • Provideexpert guidance on disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, absencemanagementand investigations.
  • Ensure all HR practicescomply with UK employment legislation and company policies.
  • Mitigate business risk through sound employment law advice and proactive people management.
  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Linemanage, coach and develop the HR Manager based in Chesterfieldand HR Coordinator based in London.
  • Foster a high-performing and customer-focused HR function.
  • Ensure consistency in HR processes, policiesand service delivery across all locations.
  • Support the development of HR capability across the wider team.
  • Retail & Head Office Support
  • Act as the lead HR Business Partner for both Retail and Head Office populations.
  • Build strong relationships with Regional Managers, Store Managers and Head Office leaders
  • Support managers in driving performance, engagementand talent development.
  • Ensure HR practices are aligned across all business areas while recognising the differing needs of retail and corporate functions.
  • Talent Management & Development
  • Lead succession planning and talent development initiatives.
  • Support recruitment and selection processes for key and senior-level positions.
  • Identifylearning and development opportunities across the business.
  • Champion leadership development and career progression programmes.
  • Employee Engagement & Culture
  • Drive initiatives that promote employee engagement, wellbeingand inclusion.
  • Support the development and embedding of company values and culture.
  • Lead engagement surveys and action planning activities.
  • Champion initiatives that strengthen employee retention and employer brand.
  • HR Operations & Compliance
  • Oversee HR policies, proceduresand documentation.
  • Ensureaccurate HR records and data management.
  • Support annual reward andremunerationprocesses.
  • Monitor and report on key people metrics and trends.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

  • Minimum10 years' HR experiencein a generalist HR role.
  • Strong experience supporting both Retail and Head Office employee populations.
  • Extensive knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations.
  • Experience managing and developing HR professionals.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
  • Commercially aware with the ability to balance people and business priorities.
  • Excellent communication, coaching and relationship-building abilities.
  • Experience within fashion, retail, lifestyleor consumer brands.
  • CIPD Level7qualification or equivalentexperience or qualification
  • Experience supporting organisational change and business transformation projects.
  • Personal Attributes
  • Passionate about people and creating a positive employee experience.
  • Enjoys building strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
  • Supportive, approachableand highly collaborative.
  • Confident managing complex and sensitive people matters.
  • Resilient, adaptable andsolutions-focused.
  • Commercially minded whilstmaintaininga people-first approach.
  • Enthusiastic about supporting both retail teams and Head Office colleagues.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the people strategy of a growing fashion brand.

You'llwork closely with senior leaders, support colleagues across our UK retail and Head Office population, and lead the HR agenda to create an engaging, high-performingand inclusive workplace

  • What Success Lookslike
  • Strong employee engagement and retention across Retail and Head Office.
  • High-quality, commercially focused HR support trusted by leaders.
  • Effective management and development of the Chesterfield-based HR Managerand London based HR Coordinator
  • Consistent application of HR policies and employment law compliance.
  • Successful delivery of people initiatives that support business growth and culture.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the people agenda of a growing fashion brand while making a meaningful impact on the employee experience across the UK business.

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Senior HR Manager - London employer: Varley

Varley is an exceptional employer that champions a supportive and inclusive work culture, with a strong focus on employee engagement and development. As a family-run fashion brand based in London, we offer meaningful career growth opportunities and a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact our mission to empower women. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values quality, connection, and the evolution of women's lives through fashion.

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Contact Details:

Varley Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior HR Manager - London

Get Down to the Fashion Events

Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Varley!

Join Fashion-Focused Communities

Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Varley.

Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio

Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Varley.

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Varley!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Manager - London

HR Strategy Development
Employee Relations Management
Talent Management
Organisational Development
UK Employment Law Knowledge
Coaching and Mentoring
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!

Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Varley.

Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Varley!

Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Varley. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!

How to prepare for a job interview at Varley

Showcase Your Style Portfolio

For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!

Know the Latest Trends and Brands

Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.

Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills

In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Dress the Part

This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!