Human Resources Manager

Gillespies HR Manager

Flexible Hours & Flexible location in the United Kingdom

Are you a passionate about HR and looking for a new challenge to work for a creative class leading landscape practice? Do you want a flexibility in your next job?  Then read on:

For over 60 years we have been designing exceptional settings across the globe, driven by the belief that by designing with nature we can make a positive difference to the greater whole.  We highly value our living legacy – it is one of the pillars of our practice – and that means that we are always looking for purposeful, like-minded people to join us, and we need a new HR Manager to nurture and build our team of 120 employees.

 We are flexible as to where you would be based, we just want you to have a regular presence in one of our studios and are prepared to regularly visit all the other studios in London, Oxford, Manchester and Leeds. You will receive a wide range of benefits, including flexible and remote working arrangements to ensure a better work-life balance, paid professional memberships, HSF healthcare cashback and more. Although we envisage this to be a full time role we would happily consider experienced applicants who want to work reduced hours. 

About the role:

We are looking for a HR Manager that will report directly to the four Equity Partners and lead the practice People and Culture working group that looks at HR Strategically. As the HR manager you will be instrumental in recruitment, benefits administration, HR policy development, training, HR administration, internal communications, and employee engagement. This position requires a dynamic individual with a strong background in HR,  comprehensive understanding of HR functions and a commitment to developing a supportive workplace where career development is key. You will have support from a full time HR Administrator whom you will manage, and a wider network of Studio Managers and the finance team.

The role and hours can be flexible either 3/4 days per week or 1/2 days per week.  Please see below for more information:

Key Activities (Day to Day circa 3 to 4 days per week):

• Assist with the implementation of all employee-related issues, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, absence management, learning and development, and talent management.
• Manage and carry out employee visa applications and renewals for all offices.
• Manage the HR administrator in the London studio, as well as collaborate with the Studio Managers in the other regions to ensure that employee relations and onboarding process are effective across all office sites.
• Assist the HR administrator in managing all personnel records, ensuring data is accurate, complete and up to date (we use Bamboo).
• With the HR Administrator, prepare and manage all personnel administration, including the preparation of contracts, offer letters, promotion letters, and reference requests.
• Prepare monthly payroll and work closely with finance.
• Oversee and manage the HR budget and staff turnover reporting.
• Monitoring overtime and advise on granting TIL accordingly.
• Keeping abreast of staff welfare, intervening where appropriate and always being approachable and amenable to staff who may wish to speak confidentially.
• Conduct exit interviews with all leavers, feeding back to Partners and management on key themes / issues, proposing and leading changes / improvements based on staff feedback.
• Manage all conflicts, grievances, and disciplinary issues, ensuring fair and appropriate outcomes. Manage all investigations in line with approved guidelines.

Key Activities (Strategic circa 1 to 2 days per week):

• Foster a culture and develop a system of continuous learning.
• Collaborate with leadership to understand and address organisational challenges, providing strategic HR insights and recommendations.
• Lead the cross practice People and Culture Working group, research and implement new HR initiatives.
• Guide professional development, and knowledge sharing
• Report regularly to Partner Meetings (approximately Bi monthly)  

What we want from you:

• Ideally a Level 7 CIPD qualification
• Chartered member of the CIPD
• Proven experience in similar role.
• Demonstrable understanding of HR practices and employment law
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrable problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good commercial acumen, ability to weigh up HR decisions in conjunction with the operating business environment.

What we can offer you:

• An opportunity to carve out a key role in the practice that fits around you so we offer flexible hours and location.
• A competitive salary, to be agreed depending on your experience.
• As standard a ‘flexi-hours’ scheme to allow for a healthy work-life balance.
• As standard ‘hybrid working’ - 2 days a week working from home and 3 days in the office (but we are open to alternate proposals for this role).
• Paid Professional Membership fees.
• HSF Healthcare Cashback Scheme and Perkbox membership.
• Employee Assistance Programs.

To Apply:

Please upload your CV and a covering letter summarising your key skills and suitability for the role, salary expectations, preferred location/office base, preferred working hours and when you might be available to start.

References will be required following interview.

Gillespies is an equal opportunities employer.

We regret that following an initial acknowledgement that we have received your application; we can only then respond to successful applications.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION IS 18TH OF MARCH