People Manager (Hiring Immediately)

The UBDS group is seeking a proactive and development-focused People Manager to support colleagues within the Delivery Centre.

This role is ideally suited to an early to mid-career People professional (up to five years’ experience) who is passionate about people development, confident managing day-to-day people matters, and motivated by building high-performing, engaged teams. It is a hands-on, operational role for someone who enjoys being close to the business and making a tangible difference to the colleague experience.

Working within a matrix environment, the People Manager will act as the direct line manager for designated colleagues, partnering closely with Engagement Leads (project delivery) and Capability Champions (technical and functional leadership) to ensure joined-up, consistent leadership.

This is not a strategic or executive-level position; it is a delivery-focused role for someone who wants to grow their career in People Management while actively shaping performance, development and culture on the ground.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Line Management & Development

• Act as the direct line manager for Delivery Centre colleagues, with accountability for performance, wellbeing and development.
• Hold regular 1:1 meetings focused on feedback, growth, engagement and support.
• Set clear, measurable objectives and review progress consistently.
• Support colleagues in identifying strengths, development areas and career ambitions.
• Partner with Engagement Leads and Capability Champions to ensure alignment across project delivery, technical capability and people priorities.

Early Careers & Growth Focus

• Take an active interest in developing early-career and mid-level professionals within Delivery.
• Encourage a coaching-led approach to performance and progression.
• Identify development opportunities, stretch assignments and learning pathways in partnership with the wider People Team.
• Contribute practical insight into talent discussions and capability development.

Onboarding & Colleague Experience

• Support onboarding for colleagues in Manchester and London, ensuring a structured and welcoming experience.
• Provide clarity on expectations, ways of working and how the matrix model operates in practice.
• Conduct structured check-ins during the first months of employment to reinforce engagement and performance alignment.

Performance & People Operations

• Manage probation reviews, performance conversations and absence processes in line with internal policy and UK employment legislation.
• Apply Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) principles appropriately in day-to-day people management.
• Escalate complex employee relations matters to senior People colleagues where required.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with People processes and systems (e.g. Human Resources Information System (HRIS)).

Engagement & Culture

• Act as a visible and approachable People representative within the Delivery Centre.
• Support engagement initiatives and contribute to a positive, inclusive and high-performance culture.
• Encourage open dialogue and feedback, ensuring colleagues feel heard and supported.

Role Requirements

Experience

• Up to five years’ experience in a People, Human Resources (HR), or line management role with direct responsibility for managing individuals.
• Demonstrable experience handling performance conversations, probation processes and employee development discussions.
• Experience in a professional services, consulting or delivery-led environment desirable.
• Experience operating within a matrix structure advantageous.
• Familiarity with a Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ideally BambooHR.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 3 or Level 5 qualification (or working towards) desirable.
• Degree-level education advantageous but not essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Passion for people development and coaching.
• Confident, fair and balanced in handling both supportive and challenging conversations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good working knowledge of UK employment law and ACAS guidance in practice.
• Organised, proactive and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to build trust with colleagues at all levels.

Benefits

Why people choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group

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