People Manager, Management

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.