People Manager

About Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood stands as a renowned British fashion house celebrated for its rich heritage, innovative designs, and dedication to cultural activism. Rooted in core principles like Gaia, Quality not Quantity, Activism, Culture & Heritage, the company deeply values both its employees and environmental responsibilities. Passionate individuals who embrace creativity, sustainability, and innovation are encouraged to join the team.

Role Overview

The People Manager will lead and ensure the effectiveness of the People function, reporting directly to the Global HR Director. This role combines strategic guidance with practical leadership, overseeing a generalist People team and collaborating closely with senior leaders across the organization. Responsibilities include advising on employee relations, organizational change, workforce planning, performance management, rewards, wellbeing, and People operations. Additionally, the manager supports the Global HR Director with complex matters and strategic programs, focusing on delivering consistent, high-quality People practices throughout the employee lifecycle within a creative environment. The position is located at the Head Office in Battersea, London.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in shaping and executing the People strategy by providing senior advice on organizational design, workforce planning, People risk, and cultural development.
• Convert strategic priorities from the Global HR Director into actionable People initiatives utilizing data and insights.
• Ensure full compliance and consistency in managing all employee lifecycle processes, maintaining governance aligned with UK employment laws and best practices.
• Oversee People team operations including contracts, onboarding/offboarding, recruitment, systems accuracy, data reporting, and internal communications, upholding quality and standards in line with workforce plans.
• Lead management of complex employee relations cases such as investigations, disciplinary proceedings, grievances, performance issues, absence management, and organizational changes.
• Administer and monitor performance and capability frameworks including probation, reviews, and improvement plans.
• Direct the development and delivery of internal training programs matching business needs, managing LMS systems and content, tracking compliance, and improving training effectiveness.
• Manage partnerships with external training providers to ensure quality, cost-efficiency, and alignment with development strategies.
• Equip managers with guidance, training, and tools for effective performance management while overseeing quality and auditing team outputs.
• Supervise reward and payroll processes, ensuring timely and precise data submission to Finance and Payroll, maintaining controls, and resolving issues collaboratively.
• Support health-related case management, including disability accommodations, Occupational Health referrals, and Equality Act compliance ensuring fair and risk-aware approaches.
• Develop frameworks promoting employee wellbeing, inclusion, and health risk management, collaborating with Office Management on health and safety concerns.
• Participate in audits, risk assessments, and initiatives to enhance People governance and compliance continuously.
• Support CSR efforts by providing workforce data, aligning policies, and managing employee volunteering coordination via the People Leads.
• Oversee accuracy of People data for sustainability and reporting requirements.
• Manage early careers and educational initiatives including internship programs and associated development efforts through the People team.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across multiple regions to advance People initiatives, organizational change, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee relationships with external advisors such as legal counsel and specialized consultants for guidance on complex matters.
• Lead and manage the People team by establishing clear goals, priorities, and accountability, ensuring alignment with the broader strategy.
• Maintain comprehensive oversight on team activities, quality control, and provide support or escalation as necessary.
• Build team capabilities in employee relations, stakeholder management, and practical problem-solving, balancing delegation with direct involvement.
• Perform additional duties as required to meet job expectations.

Candidate Profile and Skills

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior generalist HR or People leadership role within complex or multidisciplinary organizations.
• Proven success handling intricate employee relations cases, organizational transformations, and managing People risks.
• Comprehensive expertise in employee lifecycle management, HR operations, and governance.
• Experienced leader in developing and managing People teams through coaching, delegation, and quality assurance techniques.
• Excellent communication skills capable of influencing and advising senior leadership and managers pragmatically.
• Flexible, resilient, and adept at managing competing priorities in a dynamic business environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practices.
• Hands-on experience managing reward, payroll, benefits, and performance systems with solid governance practices.
• Familiarity with immigration, right-to-work, and sponsorship processes.
• Skilled in stakeholder management and partnering with leaders across diverse functions and geographies.
• Proficient in using People data, systems, and reporting tools to support decision making and enhance capabilities.

Employee Benefits

• Attractive staff discounts available.
• Health and Wellbeing programs including Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, gym discounts, and access to financial planning services.
• Perkbox discounts and access to a Wellness Hub.
• Cycle to work scheme provided.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Participation in the company pension scheme.
• Training opportunities and practical experience to develop new skills and industry knowledge.

Additional Information

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis; candidates are encouraged to apply promptly to maximize consideration. Vivienne Westwood values diversity and inclusion, prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, and others, in accordance with local laws. The role is positioned at the Battersea head office in London and requires onsite attendance.