At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in People management, shaping strategies and enhancing employee experiences.
- Company: Join the iconic Vivienne Westwood brand, known for creativity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy health support, generous leave, training opportunities, and discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development in a vibrant team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment while championing culture and activism.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in HR, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
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’d 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
- 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 employer: Vivienne Westwood
At Vivienne Westwood, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity, sustainability, and innovation. Our Battersea office offers a vibrant work culture where employees are encouraged to grow through hands-on experience and training opportunities, all while enjoying generous benefits such as health and wellbeing support, staff discounts, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the fashion industry while working alongside passionate individuals who share your values.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the 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 values and culture. Vivienne Westwood is all about creativity and sustainability, so think of examples from your experience that align with these principles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! When you get the chance to meet the team, let your passion for fashion and people shine through. They want to see how you fit into their vibrant culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Vivienne Westwood family.
We think you need these skills to ace People Manager
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 you connect with our core values and what makes you excited about the role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the People Manager role. Highlight your experience in HR operations, employee relations, and team leadership. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Vivienne Westwood.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivienne Westwood
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Vivienne Westwood's values and mission. Understand their commitment to sustainability and culture, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these principles. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect with the brand.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a People Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle complex employee relations and organisational change. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated these challenges, highlighting your strategic thinking and hands-on leadership.
✨Be Data Savvy
Familiarise yourself with HR metrics and how they can inform decision-making. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to improve people practices or drive performance. This will show that you can translate strategic priorities into practical delivery plans.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've partnered with senior stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share specific instances where your communication and influencing skills made a difference. This role requires strong relationships across the business, so demonstrating this capability is key.
