HR Manager

HR Manager

Manchester

Full time permanent contract

About the role

BDP is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the team responsible for the North region. Reporting to the Group People Director (based in London) and the Executive Directorate for the Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Glasgow studios, you will be expected to make an immediate contribution to the team in the North and the wider HR team across the UK.

This is an operational business partner role with involvement in projects and initiatives across the global studio network. The Northern team is located in Manchester and includes one HR Advisor and two HR Assistants, with support for HR-related payroll administration and some ER activities also provided locally in Birmingham, Sheffield and Glasgow.

About us

BDP is a leading, global, multidisciplinary design practice united by a shared purpose: to design a world that’s built for good. For more than 60 years, we've been solving problems, creating innovative spaces, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From the start, we've been pioneers in the world of design, and our legacy is built on the meaningful, people-centred places we've brought to life.

We are a diverse, international practice of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. We work closely with our clients, users, and communities to craft spaces for living, working, learning, and enjoying life across the globe. With studios spanning the UK, Ireland, Europe, Asia, and North America, our reach is as broad as our expertise. And since joining forces with Japan’s Nippon Koei in 2016, our ability to deliver integrated, impactful design has only grown stronger.

Our work is rooted in creativity, quality, and collaboration. We believe that great design removes barriers and opens new possibilities, all while meeting the demands of a constantly evolving world. Whether we’re designing homes, workplaces, or public spaces, we always put people at the heart of our thinking, ensuring that the environments we create are not just functional, but also inclusive, beautiful, and socially and environmentally responsible.

We’re proud of the places we've shaped and the lives we've touched, and we are committed to continuing our mission of designing a better, more connected world—one that leaves every place better than we found it.

Key responsibilities

·       Working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders to provide expert guidance across all aspects of HR

·       Supporting directors and line managers with complex employee relations matters, driving consistency of approach and encouraging best practice

·       Overseeing day-to-day HR operations including employee lifecycle and administrative processes

·       Contributing to the design and implementation of key HR policies and initiatives

·       Identifying and driving continuous improvement within the HR function and business

·       Liaising with directors to identify appropriate recruitment, training, development, and mentoring strategies

·       Planning, managing, and supporting any change management and consultation activities

·       Supporting company engagement and culture-change activities, working closely with employee networks and key stakeholders across the practice

·       Essential qualifications and experience

·       You will be an experienced HR Manager/Business Partner (Level 7 CIPD Chartered Member) with a strong generalist and operational background, preferably in a professional services environment. You must demonstrate:

·       Extensive employee relations experience, with the ability to identify risk and provide sustainable solutions

·       Experience working in complex, matrix organisational structures

·       Experience reporting to senior leadership and providing professional and robust reports

·       Excellent understanding of employment law and best practice and its practical application across a wide remit

·       Excellent practical knowledge of IT applications and software including Applicant Tracking and Learning Management Systems

·       Knowledge and experience in all matters related to Data Protection/GDPR.

About you

·       Strong interpersonal and communication skills that enable you to support, challenge, motivate and influence others

·       A pragmatic and diplomatic approach with the ability to work effectively at all levels and cultivate trust

·       Proactive and resilient, willing to be assertive and take the lead where necessary

·       Able to see the bigger picture and offer innovative and practical solutions

·       Strong attention to detail.

BDP offers

In return, BDP can offer you a wide range of learning opportunities to encourage personal and professional career development. From sponsorship to profession led CPD events, we also offer annual appraisals and a mentoring scheme that is supported by our internal online learning platform.

We are committed to being an employer of choice and offer a competitive renumeration and benefits package that includes an employee profit share scheme, tax efficient smart benefits, private medical insurance, life insurance, long term sickness insurance, interest free season ticket loans, health screening, opportunity to buy/swap holidays and enhanced maternity and paternity provision, plus many more.

We offer regular international, and studio based social, sporting and charitable events. Some recent events include month-end socials, a hiking club, wellbeing webinars and toolbox talks. Our variety of employee forums gives everyone the platform to have a voice and be heard which drives cultural changes and helps to create an engaged, inclusive organisation.

To find out on more detail about what BDP can offer you, please visit: https://www.bdp.com/en/careers-at-bdp/why-join-bdp/.

To apply

To apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. You will then need to complete the online application form and attach a CV and cover letter (<400 words) that outlines how your skills and experience fulfil the requirements of this position.

BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We want our teams to be diverse at every level, reflecting the communities we design for. As designers, we will create spaces for all that promote equity, wellbeing and participation within the built environment. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different skills, professional and life experiences, to join us and help us to achieve our aspirations. We also welcome applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly. BDP also operates a hybrid working policy which is usually three days in the office and two days working from home. 

No agency or third-party applications please.