People & Culture Manager

ABOUT APPLY APPLY is the Agentic Customer Experience (ACx) partner for the world's most ambitious consumer and entertainment brands. We bring together deep domain expertise across Retail, CPG, Sports, and Media with AI-native delivery capability, designing and delivering agentic solutions that turn CX vision into commercial reality. We are the partner of choice for brands like Arc'teryx, NFL, Lululemon, and Kraft Heinz. For more information, visit applydigital.com . LOCATION: APPLY is hybrid friendly with remote options available if needed. The preferred candidate should be based in (or within a location commutable to) the Greater London Area of the United Kingdom, working in hours that align to the UK timezone. THE ROLE: As a People & Culture Partner Manager, you will play a pivotal role in aligning our People Operations strategy with business objectives, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring our team members are engaged and thriving. Working closely with leadership and stakeholders across various accounts, you will be instrumental in driving organizational effectiveness and contributing to the overall success of our global operations. RESPONSIBILITIES Act as a strategic partner to business leaders, understanding key business challenges and objectives to align the People Operations strategy accordingly. Lead talent management initiatives, including workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development, to support the company's growth and innovation goals. Drive employee engagement strategies to foster a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction. Manage complex employee relations issues, ensuring they are resolved in a timely and effective manner, while minimizing risk and maintaining trust. Partner with organizational leaders and the direct team to identify opportunities for AI integration, champion change management initiatives, and equip employees with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an AI-augmented workplace. Collaborate with the global HR team to share best practices and develop cohesive strategies that support the company's international expansion. Utilize HR analytics to make data-driven decisions and report on key HR metrics to stakeholders. Serve as the escalation point for complex employee experience issues, working closely with your team to resolve challenges quickly and effectively. Support the integration of new systems, processes, and policies, ensuring change is well-communicated and adopted effectively across your team and the broader employee base. Champion a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing within the People team, encouraging process documentation, cross-training, and proactive problem-solving. Actively contribute to global people initiatives while ensuring regional nuances and cultural context are thoughtfully represented. Oversee the consistent execution of core HR processes within the region, including onboarding, offboarding, data management, compliance, and employee documentation. REQUIREMENTS 6+ years of progressive experience in People & Culture, with at least 2 years in a HRBP or managerial role supporting global or cross-functional teams, preferably in the technology consulting industry or related fields. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. Proven ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, with a strong understanding of business strategy, organizational dynamics, talent development, and change management. Experience managing or mentoring a team, with demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop direct reports to achieve operational excellence. In-depth knowledge of local labor laws and HR compliance practices in your region, with the ability to ensure operational policies align with regulatory requirements. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, with a high level of emotional intelligence and discretion. Analytical skills with the ability to use HR metrics for decision-making. Proficiency in HRIS systems and tools, with a strong grasp of technology to improve HR processes. LIFE AT APPLY People are at the core of everything we do at APPLY. We provide you with modern tools, systems and approaches, value your time, safety, and health, and strive to build a work community where you can thrive and grow. Here are a few benefits we offer to support you: Agentic Delivery: Our people work in a modern way to deliver client outcomes. Broaden your skills on a range of engagements with international brands that have a global impact. An inclusive and safe environment: We’re truly committed to building a culture where you are celebrated and everyone feels welcome and safe. AI & Strategic Upskilling: Accelerate your professional growth with generous training budgets and mentorship, with a specific focus on Agentic AI expertise and the critical human skills required for the future of work. Vacation policy: We value work–life balance, so you’ll enjoy 24 days of vacation plus 8 bank holidays to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most. Benefits: We use Vitality benefits designed to enhance your health, well-being, and work–life balance. Flexible work arrangements: We work in a variety of ways, from remote, to in-office, to a blend of both. APPLY is a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where differences are celebrated. We are committed to equal opportunity and fostering a workplace where everyone belongs. Learn more in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) section. For recruitment accommodations, please email [email protected] .