A globally recognised architecture and design practice is looking for an HR Leader to join its London studio in a standalone, Associate-level role. You would be joining an international practice with a long-established global HR network spanning the US, Asia, Middle East and Latin America, while acting as the key HR lead for the London office. The studio delivers major architecture and complex mixed-use projects globally, and this role sits at the centre of supporting the ongoing growth, culture and operational development of the London team. This is a broad, hands-on position suited to someone confident operating independently within a busy design-led environment. You would work closely with senior leadership locally, while collaborating regularly with global HR, payroll, benefits and talent teams based internationally. The role would suit someone commercially aware, approachable and confident navigating both strategic and day-to-day HR matters within a creative studio environment. The studio is particularly interested in individuals who are looking to grow long term within the business and become a key part of the leadership and people strategy of the London office. This role offers flexible working, and some international travel opportunities.
Job Description
- Act as the lead HR contact for the London studio, managing the full employee lifecycle across the office
- Partner closely with senior leadership and department heads on people strategy, employee relations and studio operations
- Manage and update UK HR policies and procedures in line with current employment legislation and best practice
- Support employee relations matters, providing practical and balanced HR guidance across the business
- Coordinate recruitment activity alongside the global Talent Acquisition team, with the opportunity to bring elements of recruitment in-house
- Oversee onboarding, inductions, sponsorship processes and employee documentation
- Collaborate with global HR, payroll, benefits and learning teams based internationally
- Support performance review processes, compensation reviews and wider people initiatives
- Assist in developing training, engagement and professional development programmes across the London office
- Help foster a positive, collaborative and communicative studio culture
- Work closely with studio leadership to support the continued growth and evolution of the London office
- Contribute to HR reporting, compliance processes and HR systems management
Key Skills
- Strong HR experience, ideally within the architecture discipline
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Experience operating in a standalone or highly autonomous HR position preferred
- Confident managing employee relations matters with professionalism and discretion
- Experience supporting sponsorships, compliance and HR policy development
- Exposure to recruitment, talent acquisition and onboarding processes
- Comfortable working within international businesses and collaborating across global teams
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to work closely with senior leadership teams
- Pragmatic, approachable and solutions-oriented mindset
- Experience using HRIS systems; Vantagepoint knowledge beneficial but not essential
- Organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage both strategic and operational responsibilities simultaneously
This is a unique opportunity for a HR Associate to make their mark in a successful international studio.
…