HR Studio Director

Conrad Consulting; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural practice in Chesterfield is seeking an HR Studio Director to enhance operational strategy and efficiency. This role involves strategic leadership across HR, Administration, and Resource Planning, ensuring alignment with business objectives. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in senior management, strong leadership skills, and a broad knowledge of HR practices. Join a creative team and influence the future of the practice while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Car allowance

25 days holiday with optional salary swap

Health & Cash plan

3% pension

Profit/performance related bonuses

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operational or practice management role.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Broad knowledge of HR, office management, and resource planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop HR, Admin, and Office Management functions.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, retention, and staff development.
• Manage budgets for operational departments and identify cost-efficiency opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Organizational

Education

Degree in HR or related field

Job description

A top 100 UK Architectural Practice (AJ100) employing around 130 talented professionals are seeking to appoint a HR Studio Director to help lead and shape operational strategy.

Known for delivering innovative, award-winning design solutions across multiple sectors, as part of a new management structure and evolving business needs, the HR Studio Director will play a pivotal role in strategic management and operational efficiency in our clients growing Architectural Practice.

The Opportunity

As HR Studio Director, you will play a key role in driving the efficiency, culture, and people experience within the practice. You’ll provide strategic leadership across HR, Administration, Facilities, and Resource Planning functions—ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and alignment with our wider business objectives.

This is a rare opportunity to join at established leadership team and make a meaningful impact in a well-established, design-led business.

Key Responsibilities for the HR Studio Director

Strategic Operations & Leadership

• Partner with Executive Directors to align operational areas with strategic priorities
• Lead and develop the HR, Admin and Office Management functions
• Promote continuous improvement across systems, processes, and team structures

People & Culture

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, retention and staff development
• Shape and support a strong culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being
• Lead employee engagement, performance management and Learning & Development initiatives
• Ensure HR policies and practices are legally compliant and reflect best practice

Administrative & Office Management

• Provide a leadership and coordination interface to our Admin and Support teams ensuring consistent and high-quality internal support
• Proactively lead and support the optimisation of workplace environments to maintain a positive, safe, and productive workspace
• Liaise with IT and Facilities to support operational requirements and service continuity

Resource Planning & Project Support

• Work closely with the Executive team and managers to oversee and coordinate resource management across all teams
• Help balance workloads and maintain effective capacity planning across the business
• Support cross-functional coordination on internal initiatives

Financial Oversight & Compliance

• Manage budgets for operational departments within the remit of the role and identify cost-efficiency opportunities
• Ensure the practice meets all relevant health, safety, and legal requirements
• Support the firm’s ongoing duty of care and compliance obligations

About You

• Proven experience in a senior operational or practice management role (ideally within architecture, engineering, or professional services but not essential)
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary teams
• Broad knowledge of HR, office management, and resource planning
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Commercially aware with budgeting and financial oversight experience
• Proactive, collaborative and adaptable in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a creative and ambitious team with a clear vision. This HR Studio Director offers a unique opportunity to influence how the business operates and grows.

• A competitive salary of between £60,000 - £70,000 per annum based on 35 hours per week.
• Car allowance on £6000 per annum.
• 25 days holiday with optional salary swap to increase provision to 28 days, Health & Cash plan, 3% pension, profit/performance related bonuses.
• A supportive, inclusive working culture
• Opportunities for professional development and progression
• The chance to shape the future of a leading architectural practice

Interested? Please hit apply and follow the instructions! Or for further information, please contact James Jackson at Conrad Consulting.