At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People function, shaping strategy and ensuring effective HR operations.
- Company: Join Vivienne Westwood, a pioneering British fashion brand committed to creativity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, health support, generous leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a vibrant, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment while championing people and culture.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in HR, strong leadership skills, and a passion for people management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood is one of the most iconic British fashion brands, renowned for its heritage, innovative design, and commitment to culture and activism. We care deeply about our people and the environment, and our core values - Gaia, Quality not Quantity, Activism, Culture & Heritage - guide us daily. If you share our passion for creativity, sustainability, and innovation, we would love to hear from you.
About The Role
The People Manager is responsible for the overall effectiveness of the People function. Reporting to the Global HR Director, the role balances strategic advice with hands-on operational leadership and accountability for a generalist People team. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, the role provides trusted guidance on employee relations, organisational change, workforce planning, performance, reward, wellbeing, and People operations. The focus is on delivering consistent, high-quality People practices across the employee lifecycle within a creative organisation. This role is full time on a 1-year FTC and based onsite at the Head Office in Battersea, London.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic People Leadership
- Support the Global HR Director in shaping and delivering the People strategy, advising on organisational design, workforce planning, culture and People risk.
- Translate strategic priorities into practical delivery plans, using People data and insight to inform decisions and continuous improvement.
- HR Operations, Governance & Employee Relations
- Hold accountability for compliant and consistent delivery of the full employee lifecycle, ensuring alignment with UK employment legislation and internal governance standards.
- Oversee operational delivery across recruitment, contracts, onboarding and offboarding, systems, reporting, data integrity and internal communications, maintaining quality control through the People team.
- Lead complex and high-risk employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence and organisational change processes.
- Performance & Capability
- Ensure effective delivery of performance frameworks, including probation, review cycles and performance improvement processes.
- Oversee internal training delivery and LMS management, ensuring content, compliance tracking and reporting align with business capability needs.
- Equip managers with clear guidance and tools to manage performance confidently and consistently.
- Payroll & Reward
- Hold accountability for the team's accurate and timely provision of People data and reward inputs to Finance and Payroll, ensuring robust internal checks and controls are applied.
- Oversee administration of pay, bonus and commission frameworks approved by the Director, managing risk and resolving payroll queries in collaboration with Finance.
- Wellbeing, Risk & Compliance
- Provide oversight on health-related and Equality Act cases, including reasonable adjustments and Occupational Health referrals, ensuring fair and compliant outcomes.
- Partner with Office Management on People-related risk and health and safety matters.
- Contribute to audits, risk reviews and continuous improvement of People governance and compliance frameworks.
- CSR & Early Careers
- Ensure effective People support to CSR initiatives, including workforce data, policy alignment and employee volunteering coordination.
- Maintain oversight of People data accuracy for sustainability and reporting purposes.
- Oversee delivery of early careers and educational programmes, including the intern programme and related development initiatives.
- Stakeholder & Team Leadership
- Partner with senior stakeholders across the UK and international offices to support organisational change, risk mitigation and People initiatives.
- Manage relationships with external advisers, including legal counsel, where required.
- Lead and develop the People team, setting clear standards, accountability and performance expectations, balancing delegation with hands-on leadership.
- Contribute flexibly to additional projects and priorities as required.
(Please note this is not an exhaustive list of duties and you may be required to perform additional duties to fulfil the requirements of the role)
Profile & Key Skills
- 5+ years in a senior generalist HR/People role within a complex or multi-disciplinary organisation.
- Proven capability leading complex employee relations matters, organisational change, and People risk.
- Strong experience overseeing the full employee lifecycle, HR operations, and People governance.
- Demonstrated experience managing and developing HR/People teams, including delegation, coaching, and quality assurance.
- Highly effective communicator, able to influence, challenge, and provide clear, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders and managers.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and respond effectively to changing business needs.
- Solid working knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Experience overseeing reward, payroll, benefits, and performance frameworks, with appropriate governance and controls.
- Exposure to immigration, right-to-work, and sponsorship processes.
- Confident stakeholder manager with experience partnering senior leaders across functions and geographies.
- Comfortable working with People data, systems, and reporting to inform decisions and improve capability.
Benefits
- Staff discounts
- Health & Wellbeing support (includes Private Medical Health Insurance, EAP, Gym Discounts, Access to Financial Planning Service, etc.)
- Perkbox Discounts and Wellness Hub
- Cycle to work scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Pension Scheme
- Training and hands-on experience
- Opportunities to build new skills and gain valuable industry knowledge
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we recommend applying early to avoid missing out. Vivienne Westwood is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by local government laws.
People Manager in London employer: Vivienne Westwood
At Vivienne Westwood, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity, sustainability, and innovation within the vibrant fashion industry. Our Battersea Head Office fosters a collaborative work culture where employees are supported through comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits, generous leave allowances, and opportunities for professional growth and skill development. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity, inclusion, and the meaningful impact of our work on both people and the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Vivienne Westwood. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s culture and values. Vivienne Westwood is all about creativity and sustainability, so think of examples from your experience that align with these principles. Show them you’re a perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound authentic, not rehearsed. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace People Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for creativity, sustainability, and innovation shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at Vivienne Westwood!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your experience in HR and People management. Focus on the skills and achievements that relate directly to the role of People Manager, so we can see why you’re the perfect fit.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivienne Westwood
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Vivienne Westwood's history, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their commitment to culture, activism, and sustainability will help you align your answers with their core principles.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a People Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle complex employee relations and organisational change. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership in these areas, showcasing your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your approach to real-life HR challenges. Think about how you would manage performance issues or navigate compliance matters. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since the role involves partnering with senior stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've successfully influenced and communicated with leaders in previous roles. Highlight your strategies for building relationships and managing expectations across different functions.
