At Buro Happold, we are proud to create exceptional environments through collaboration, innovation and expertise. We are now seeking an experienced People Manager to join us on a 6‑month contract, leading and supporting an established team within our Business Operations function. The role will be based from our Bath office with hybrid working. This is a pure people leadership role — ideal for someone who is passionate about developing talent, enhancing performance, and creating high‑performing, inclusive team environments.
What you’ll be doing
* Leading day‑to‑day line management for an established team, fostering an inclusive, high‑performing culture
* Driving performance management processes, including 1:1s, appraisals and development planning
* Coaching and supporting managers to deliver high‑quality feedback and performance conversations
* Acting as a trusted advisor on employee relations, wellbeing, and engagement matters
* Partnering with senior stakeholders to align team capacity, performance and business priorities
* Supporting organisational change, workforce planning and team growth initiatives
* Championing wellbeing, psychological safety and sustainable performance across the team
What we’re looking for
* Proven experience in a people leadership / performance management role, ideally within professional services or a complex organisation
* Strong coaching and influencing skills, with the confidence to support and challenge senior stakeholders
* A track record of delivering fair, objective and effective performance management processes
* High levels of emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and sound judgement
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels
* A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with the ability to balance people needs and business outcomes
Our approach to leadership
* Take a coaching‑led, enabling approach
* Foster inclusive and psychologically safe environments
* Influence with credibility, integrity and sound judgement
* Remain resilient and adaptable through change
* Have the confidence to challenge constructively while supporting growth
What we offer you
* Hybrid working arrangements
* Attractive salary and benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection
* 10% car allowance
* Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum (exclusive of bank holidays) and flexible holiday arrangements
* Generous company pension scheme
* Flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans and corporate discounts
* Enhanced parenthood leave policies
* 3pm finish on the last Friday of the month
* Strong commitment to your continuous development with a learning and development programme
* Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions
* Commitment to wellbeing through a comprehensive employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities
* Supportive and inclusive environment with social and outreach activities, mentorship and the Young Employees Forum
* International culture that values diverse perspectives
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the industry.
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