People and Culture Manager

This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about people, culture and helping businesses grow. Working closely with our directors and leadership team, you will help shape every stage of the employee experience – from attracting great people to supporting their development, wellbeing and long-term careers.

At MLA, we believe great design starts with great people. Our architects, interior designers, graphic designers and consultants work collaboratively as one team to create places that positively influence how people think, feel and behave. We’re looking for someone who shares that belief and wants to help create an environment where our own people can thrive.

As our People and Culture Manager, you’ll become a trusted adviser to the directors, helping to shape our culture, support our teams across our three studios (Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester) and ensure MLA continues to be a fantastic place to work.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll be equally comfortable advising Directors on people strategy as you are supporting an employee through their first day at MLA.

People Strategy & Culture

• Work alongside the Directors to develop and deliver MLA’s Culture strategy.
• Champion a positive, collaborative and inclusive culture across all MLA studios.
• Help build one connected practice whilst recognising the unique character of each office.
• Promote our values and ensure they are reflected throughout the employee experience.
• Lead MLA Colleague survey and drive outputs.
• Work with colleagues to drive incentives and events which support MLA ‘One Team’ Culture.
• Establish or develop culture focused networks/groups with other interested colleagues across all MLA studios.

Recruitment & Talent

• Lead recruitment across the practice, from attracting talent through to onboarding.
• Build relationships with universities, degree shows and industry networks to strengthen our future talent pipeline.
• Support colleagues to recruit diverse, high-performing teams.
• Deliver a consistent and welcoming onboarding experience for all new employees.

Learning & Development

• Coordinate probation reviews, annual development reviews and career conversations.
• Support mentoring, CPD and professional development opportunities across the practice.
• Help develop clear career pathways and promotion frameworks.
• Encourage continuous learning and knowledge sharing between teams and offices.

Employee Wellbeing

• Champion employee wellbeing and create initiatives that support a healthy, sustainable working environment.
• Work proactively with Directors to identify workload pressures and promote a positive work-life balance.
• Act as a trusted and approachable point of contact for employees across the practice.

HR & Business Support

• Provide advice on employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Maintain and develop HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and good practice (with assistance from Worknest)
• Support Business admin team.
• Support Financial Director with salary reviews and industry benchmarking.
• Monitor HR metrics including recruitment, retention, absence and employee engagement.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and the overall employee experience.
• Work with key Directors to develop, deliver, and report on HR & Business Support.

Supporting the Practice

• Work with Directors to support resource planning across projects and offices.
• Help ensure people are working on projects where they can develop and make the greatest contribution.
• Support MLA’s commitments around Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, sustainability and social value.
• Support colleagues with relevant practice accreditations including Ecovadis and potentially BCorp.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the practice.

We’re looking for someone who combines excellent people skills with commercial awareness and a proactive approach.

Essential

• Previous experience in a senior HR or People and Culture role.
• Strong understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience supporting recruitment, performance management and employee development.
• Experience supporting teams across multiple office locations.
• Ability to influence, coach and support colleagues.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A collaborative, approachable and solutions-focused mindset.
• CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification.

Desirable

• Experience within architecture, design, engineering or another professional services environment.
• Experience developing learning and development programmes.
• Experience leading employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion best practice.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Genuinely enjoys helping people succeed.
• Is approachable, empathetic and trusted by others.

• Has strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal awareness,
• Has the ability to read situations and respond appropriately.

• Understands that great businesses are built on great cultures.
• Can think strategically whilst being equally happy rolling up their sleeves.
• Enjoys improving systems and finding better ways of working.
• Has the confidence to challenge constructively and influence senior leaders.
• Wants to help shape the future of MLA as we continue to grow.

Our values are important to us:

Be Considerate
Care about your colleagues and clients, and always consider the implications of our work for people, businesses and the environment.

Be Innovative
Listen carefully to our clients and collaborate to develop inventive architectural, interior and graphic design solutions aligned with their vision.

Be Passionate
Be energised and inspired by how design can transform the way people live, work and experience places.

At MLA we are committed to equality, diversity and creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive.

Remuneration for this role will be commensurate with experience, expertise, and the strategic nature of the role together with our 9-day fortnight working pattern following successful completion of probation.

Please indicate your salary expectations on your application.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

To apply, please include your current cv and a cover letter with your salary expectations and email to contact@mlaarchitects.co.uk