HR Head of People & Culture

HR Head of People & Culture | 3-Year Fixed Term Contract | c£50,000–£55,000 pro rata + 33 days holiday and excellent benefits | Part-time 0.6 FTE, Flexible working available with 60% of time from our studios in Manchester and Leeds

Buttress is an architecture practice and proud B Corp. We are passionate about what we do, and how we do it. We work with many amazing and varied clients shaping places that have long-term positive impacts.

We are looking for an experienced HR professional to lead the development and implementation of a forward-thinking People Strategy that supports our continued growth, while ensuring our values and culture remain at the heart of everything we do. This is an exciting opportunity to influence change, mentor our HR team, and help us navigate new governance structures that align with our B Corp accreditation.

The role

As HR Head of People & Culture, you’ll work closely with our Studio Operations & HR Associate and report to the Board Director. Your role will focus on:

  • Strategic Leadership: Developing and delivering a People Strategy aligned with our business objectives and long-term goals.
  • Embedding Culture: Ensuring our purpose and values, as articulated in our Cultural Manifesto, are deeply woven into the fabric of our business.
  • Mentoring & Development: Providing guidance to our Studio Operations & HR Associate as they grow into a future Head of People & Culture role.
  • Change Management: Supporting the business through structural transitions and governance evolution, while minimising risks and maximising cultural benefits.
  • Operational Excellence: Overseeing HR processes, talent management, policy updates, and ensuring compliance with employment law and best practices.

About you

  • Proven senior HR experience in a Head of People & Culture, HR Director or similar capacity.
  • CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent, with Chartered Membership
  • Deep understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices.
  • Skills in change management, strategic vision, and financial awareness.
  • A collaborative, empathetic, and adaptable approach to leadership
  • Ideally have experience within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) services sector.
  • Ideally have expertise in alternative governance structures (e.g., Employee Owned Trusts).

Buttress is a collective of over eighty creative and talented staff, with two studios in central Manchester and Leeds. We are experts in architecture, urban design, heritage consultancy and conservation architecture.

Benefits: Workplace pension with employer contributions and optional salary sacrifice scheme |33 days holiday pro rata (including bank holidays) with full closure over the Christmas period | Employee Assistance Programme | Annual staff trip with travel and accommodation paid by the business | Free annual flu vaccinations | Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave | Enhanced sick pay scheme | Wellbeing initiatives and mental health first aiders | Cycle to work scheme | Inclusive social calendar

Please apply attaching your CV.

Buttress is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Smartsearch Recruitment £50,000 - £55,000 per annum Manchester