The Guardian
Senior People Manager
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Senior People Manager
Senior People Manager – Fixed-Term Contract (12 Months)
Join our team at The Guardian and be part of a diverse, inclusive organisation dedicated to fearless, investigative journalism that holds power to account. Our multidisciplinary team—spanning award-winning journalists, commercial experts, and digital innovators—is unwavering in its commitment to meaningful impact and cultivates a culture that champions growth, inclusivity, and collaborative expertise.
We are recruiting a Senior People Manager to join the People Team for a 12-month fixed-term contract, steps behind maternity leave.
About the Role
The Senior People Manager will act as a trusted advisor to managers, delivering strategic support on a range of complex human resources issues in collaboration with the Senior People Partner and HR Business Partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert support on investigations, disciplinary, grievance matters, and complex employee relations cases, serving as the primary point of contact within the People Team.
- Collaborate with management to ensure consistent and effective performance and capability management processes.
- Advising on employment law, policy interpretation, and HR best practices to safeguard both organisational and employee interests.
- Drive employee relations initiatives aligned with The Guardian’s core values, navigating challenges—such as union protocols and transparency in public-facing communications.
About You
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
We’re looking for someone with:
- Direct experience in, or an appreciation of, media environments—particularly those managing busy, pressured contexts.
- Experience in unionised organisations, including awareness of collective bargaining processes and their operational intricacies.
- Understanding of sensitivities around public-domain disclosures, ensuring discretion and integrity in decision-making.
- Advanced stakeholder management skills, including the ability to navigate complex or challenging relationships diplomatically.
- ** Exceptional literacy and meticulous attention to detail**—human resources demands precision in policy, practice, and record-keeping.
Diversity & Inclusion at The Guardian
We actively seek candidates from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in UK media. Our hybrid work model allows flexibility—3 days on-site (Kings Cross) + 2 days remote.
** blush Color Approach**
Salary & Benefits
- As a London Living Wage Employer, minimum full-time pay is £30,000/year. Remuneration reflects experience and skills.
- 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), 2x additional purchase days, flexible working options;
Enhanced Benefits
- Private healthcare cover, life/life insurance coverage, career growth via vocational pathways/ apprenticeships
- Pension scheme (adjusted to employee contribution: 5-12% contribution)
- Free volunteering time + Cycle-to-Work schemes
- From payroll giving to season ticket loans, lower costs, seamless life management.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Dedicated Care & Wellbeing Policies
- Extended maternity/paternity/ adoption/ shared parental leave
- Support for IVF, menopause, mental health (including baby loss and trans equity)
- Dedicated wellness resources including membership discounts (corporate gym/vesting, financial planning, and companionship of free yoga/Pilates sessions).
Cultural Strengths
- B Corp certified (North’s first major media to demonstrate symmetry with its ethics).
- Supported structure for elevating voices through employee forums and mentorship opportunities.
- Café with canal views, a hub for communal networking and meaningful refreshments—breakfast, lunch, dinner catered.
** How to Apply**
Submit your application—CV and an impassioned cover letter outlining your suitability to this role via the standard Guardian application portal by 6pm (UK time), Thursday, 9th July 2026.
Note: All applications are biassed fairly; procedural and empirical support via Karen Walter karen.walter@theguardian.com available. An adjusted, inclusive modifications needed awareness will further be held. Whether pertaining to documentation, interview formats or needs; advocacy is prioritized for all applicants to reinstate sentimentality in the execution of applications.
All roles are open to all candidates, and accommodations are fluid to all composite involvement present. Priority value.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location