Senior People Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior People Manager to provide direct line management and day-to-day leadership to colleagues within delivery, while playing a critical role in shaping a high-performing, people‑centred culture across the UBDS group.

This role sits at the heart of the organisation’s matrix leadership structure. The Senior People Manager is accountable for ensuring that each colleague receives consistent, high-quality leadership from a people, performance, and wellbeing perspective, working in close partnership with Engagement Leads and Capability Champions, who provide project, technical, and functional direction.

In addition, the Senior People Manager holds primary responsibility for onboarding colleagues based in Manchester and London, ensuring every new starter experiences a professional, welcoming, and well‑structured introduction to the UBDS group and is fully set up for success from day one.

This role is an integral part of the People Team and reports directly to the Group Chief People Officer.

• Lead and execute people‑focused strategies aligned to the UBDS group’s vision, embedding a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous development.
• Champion colleague development initiatives, ensuring appropriate training, mentoring, and leadership development pathways are in place.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape and deliver talent management, succession planning, and workforce development strategies.

• Act as the direct line manager for colleagues within delivery, providing day‑to‑day people management, including performance, wellbeing, engagement, and career development.
• Operate as a core part of the matrix leadership model, working closely with Engagement Leads and Capability Champions to ensure colleagues receive aligned and coherent leadership across people, technical, functional, and project dimensions.
• Provide clear accountability, regular 1:1s, and consistent feedback to ensure colleagues feel supported, valued, and enabled to perform at their best.
• Manage and resolve complex people matters fairly and compassionately, applying sound judgment and best practice in line with UK employment legislation and ACAS guidance.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with colleagues, fostering open communication and a culture of respect and psychological safety.

• Take primary ownership of the onboarding experience for colleagues based in Manchester and London, ensuring an in‑person consistent, professional, and welcoming process.
• Ensure new starters are fully equipped for success from day one, including clarity on role expectations, line management, ways of working, and integration into the matrix structure.
• Continuously review and improve onboarding processes, working with stakeholders across the business to enhance the early colleague experience.

• Design and deliver initiatives that enhance employee engagement, retention, and overall wellbeing.
• Actively promote an inclusive, values‑led culture where diverse perspectives are encouraged and colleagues feel empowered to contribute.
• Serve as a trusted conduit between colleagues and leadership, ensuring employee voice is heard and acted upon appropriately.

• Apply principles from psychology or organisational psychology to improve employee experience, job satisfaction, and mental wellbeing.
• Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders to implement wellbeing initiatives, mental health support, and psychological safety practices.
• Use data and insight to assess the effectiveness of people initiatives and drive continuous improvement.

• Lead the performance review process for direct reports, ensuring alignment with development goals and a strong focus on constructive feedback and growth.
• Coach and support colleagues to identify strengths and development areas, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
• Proactively identify people‑related challenges and implement solutions that improve…