JOB ROLE: People & Culture Advisor
TYPE: Fixed Term (6 months) / Part Time (4 days)
SALARY: £21—28k per annum, pro rata (equivalent to £35—40k full-time)
REPORTS TO: Managing Partner
DEPARTMENT: Operations
LOCATION: 101 St. John Street, London, EC1M 4AS
THE COMPANY
Bearded Kitten is a global creative experience agency with a portfolio of award-winning work. Our mission is clear: to fearlessly champion fun and create the unforgettable. Don’t be deceived by our quirky name – Bearded Kitten is the real deal. From large scale brand experiences to cultural launch events, from building immersive worlds to conferences and employee engagement initiatives - we cover it all.
It’s an exciting time to be a Kitten, in the past year the company has grown rapidly and we’ve worked with some of the world’s biggest brands. With an ever growing client base across the UK and beyond - this is an opportunity to join a fast paced, innovative team.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a proactive and people-focused People & Culture Advisor to support our HR function and help create a workplace where individuals feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. This role covers the full employee lifecycle and is hands on. You will play a critical part in fostering a positive culture, ensuring compliance, and driving people-focused initiatives that align with our values and goals.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong HR generalist background (ideally within the creative industries), who is either CIPD Level 5 qualified or currently working towards it. You should be highly organised, empathetic and approachable, and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
ONBOARDING
* Prepare and administer all new starter documentation and facilitate the induction process for all new starters.
* Work closely with the Office Administrator to source and purchase the appropriate technology and desk equipment for each new starter.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
* Act as a trusted first point of contact for employees and line managers, offering clear and confidential guidance on a range of HR matters, including conduct, conflict resolution and well-being.
* Support line managers in giving feedback, managing performance, and navigating sensitive conversations in a fair, constructive, and legally compliant manner.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT & COMPLIANCE
* Regularly review, update, and maintain HR policies and programs to ensure clarity, relevance, and compliance with employment legislation as well as enhancing workplace culture.
* Stay up to date with UK employment law and HR best practices to ensure all advice, documentation, and practices reflect current legal standards and company values.
* Following Bearded Kitten’s acquisition by Havas Play UK, support the integration process, acting as a key liaison between Havas’ HR team and Bearded Kitten to ensure smooth communication, alignment of processes, and implementation of the new HRIS.
CULTURE, ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION
* Design and implement initiatives that promote a fun and inclusive workplace culture, rooted in belonging.
* Monitor employee feedback and emerging trends, working collaboratively with leadership to improve workplace culture, performance processes, and employee engagement.
* Lead on internal engagement strategies that include monthly team events as well as coordinating an annual overnight offsite.
PAYROLL, BENEFITS & BUDGET MANAGEMENT
* Support the finance team with monthly overtime reporting, accurately inputting data into the HR System.
* Manage employee benefits programs, including enrolment, changes, and communications.
* Ensure effective allocation, tracking, and reconciliation of internal budgets totalling approximately £100k annually.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
* Actively source, build, and nurture relationships with charities, universities, and community organisations to create a consistent pipeline of diverse intern candidates across a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
* Champion the internship program and coordinate internship placements internally, ensuring a valuable learning experience for interns.
THE PERSON
* Holds or actively working towards a CIPD Level 5 (Associate Diploma in People Management).
* 3+ years experience working in the HR function, preferably in the creative industries.
* Strong HR knowledge with a solid understanding of UK employment law, HR policies, and compliance requirements.
* Comfortable working with IT systems and able to coordinate tech setup and support.
* Experience working in a small or scaling business with a hands-on, generalist approach.
* Exposure to diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives and a passion for driving inclusive culture.
* Empathetic and approachable, with excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
* A strong communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences.
* Highly organised and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
* A proactive problem-solver, capable of working independently and making sound decisions.
* Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
* Discreet and trustworthy, with a strong sense of integrity and respect for confidentiality.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
* 25 days paid holiday, plus Bank Holidays. 1 additional day added per year of service up to 5 days.
* Approximately five additional days off over the Christmas/New Year period.
* Hybrid working. Compulsory office days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
* Flexi-time policy.
* Generous overtime policy.
* Discretionary end of year bonus scheme.
* New Business Incentive Scheme from day one.
* Employee Referral Incentive Policy from day one.
* Work mobile and/or eSim and work laptop.
* Employee assistance programme with free access to mental health resources.
* Enhanced maternity & paternity leave policy after 1 year of full service. 3 months full pay including statutory for lead carer or 1 month full pay including statutory for second carer.
* Monthly team socials, plus an annual team offsite with overnight stay.
* Free use of BK equipment; workshop, tools, rehearsal space etc for personal use.
* Season ticket loans offered.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Guaranteed hilarity and nonsense on a daily basis.