People Manager - London

People Manager - London

Full-Time 35000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Virgin Active

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the People Operations team to enhance employee experience and engagement.
  • Company: Join Virgin Active, a leader in wellness and leisure.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, complimentary gym membership, and private healthcare.
  • Other info: Access to discounts across Virgin Group and excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on team culture and wellbeing in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: HR experience with a passion for employee engagement and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.

Virgin Active are committed to changing people's lives for the better through wellness.

Our team are dedicated to delivering a unique leisure and relaxation experience throughout all our clubs.

Every team member brings our values to life and upholds the highest Brand Standards so our members can enjoy world-class facilities and service.

We are looking for a People Manager to join our People Team on a 12-month (Maternity Cover) contract The People Manager is responsible for creating an exceptional team member experience across every stage of the employee journey.

Leading our People Operations team, you'll champion engagement, wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion and operational excellence, ensuring our people, systems and processes enable every team member to thrive while supporting the continued success of the business.

The Role Lead the People Operations team, delivering an outstanding employee experience across the full team member lifecycle.

Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, recognition and inclusion, helping to create a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

Act as the business lead for safeguarding, ensuring robust policies, training and best practice are embedded across Virgin Active.

Drive continuous improvement by simplifying People processes, enhancing systems and increasing automation and self service.

Ensure People policies, systems and data remain compliant with employment legislation, GDPR and internal governance.

Use People data and insights to identify trends, support decision making and continuously improve the employee experience.

Partner with leaders across the business to coach, influence and build high-performing, engaged teams.

Champion Virgin Active's values and purpose, helping to create an inclusive culture where people can do their best work every day.

Experience Previous HR Generalist experience with a strong understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.

Experience leading or developing People Operations, HR administration or employee experience initiatives.

Passionate about employee engagement, wellbeing, safeguarding and creating inclusive workplaces.

Excellent communication, coaching and relationship building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Analytical and solutions focused, with a passion for using data to drive continuous improvement.

Our Perks 25 days (excluding bank holidays) annual leave, plus a Celebration Day and we want you take them Access to Scottish Widow's pension, with us matching contributions up to 5%.

Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy.

You can also get free membership for your children too, ability to take advantage of our Club V.

Private Dental and Healthcare Insurance your physical health is important, and we want you to have the access to healthcare should you require it.

Life Assurance 4x your salary which we hope you will not need.

We want you to love Virgin Active like we do, so you get discounts across Virgin active everything from guest passes to 50% off PT sessions.

You will join Virgin Family where not only can you communicate with your colleagues across Virgin Group, but also many discounts (including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Holidays and Virgin Media/O2) Maintaining a healthy diet while at work can be hard, so we offer all our team members 20% off food and drink at our KAUAI branches located in clubs.

Managing finances can be difficult, so we offer access to Salary Finance.

They can support you with loans, salary advances and savings plans, as well as help you become a personal finance expert.

Mental health is a cornerstone of wellbeing.

Our employer assistance programme is there when you need a helping hand.

We know finding a new home to rent can be stressful.

We partner with Dexters who offer complimentary corporate letting services meaning no tenant charges.

Access to Each Person, offering access to Cycle to Work, a Tech Scheme and loads of online discounts to retailers.

People Manager - London employer: Virgin Active

At Virgin Active, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and health-focused work culture. As a Wellness Café Team Member at KAUAI in the UK, you'll enjoy a supportive environment that encourages personal growth, offers competitive benefits like staff discounts and complimentary gym memberships, and promotes teamwork among passionate individuals dedicated to enhancing customer experiences.

Virgin Active

Contact Details:

Virgin Active Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People Manager - 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 Virgin Active!

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 Virgin Active.

We think you need these skills to ace People Manager - London

HR Generalist Experience
Understanding of UK Employment Legislation
People Operations Leadership
Employee Engagement
Wellbeing Initiatives
Safeguarding Policies
Coaching Skills

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 Virgin Active. 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 Virgin Active 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 Virgin Active. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Virgin Active'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 Virgin Active

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 Virgin Active.

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 Virgin Active 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 Virgin Active and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.