Senior HR Manager

Foundry 42 Ltd. Uk; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games in Manchester is seeking a Senior HR Manager to own all UK-based HR matters. You will partner with senior leadership on ER, policy, compliance and people operations, and shape people projects across global teams. This onsite role reports to the Head of People and manages the People Coordinator.

You will drive HR strategy, ensure legal compliance, and use HRIS/automation to improve processes. Strong communication and data‑driven insight are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant HR experience at a senior level with a strong track record in ER case management and UK employment law.
• Data-literate with experience of HR metrics and data-driven decision making; hands-on with HRIS platforms and automation.

Responsibilities

• Own all ER casework across the UK studio, including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and absence, delivering legally compliant and commercially sound outcomes.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers, leadership and executive stakeholders, delivering pragmatic HR counsel that drives better decision-making and business performance.
• Oversee a high-quality employee lifecycle, leveraging HRIS, AI tools and automation to streamline processes and improve the colleague experience at scale.
• Keep UK HR policies current and compliant, translating legislative changes into clear, accessible guidance for the business.
• Track and analyse key people metrics (turnover, absence, ER caseload), using data-driven insight to recommend proactive interventions to leadership.
• Contribute to and lead cross-functional people projects with global HR peers in Montreal, Austin and Frankfurt, ensuring UK needs are well represented.
• Champion the studio’s culture and values, partnering with leadership on engagement initiatives and creating an environment where people do their best work.
• Lead and develop the People Coordinator, setting clear priorities and ensuring effective day-to-day HR operations across the studio.

Skills

ER case management

UK employment law

People leadership

HRIS

Data analytics

Stakeholder management

Coaching

Tools

HRIS platforms

Automation tools

Job description

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is one of the largest global independent studios, dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA games. CIG prides itself in thinking outside the box, encouraging creativity and developing ground-breaking technology. CIG believes in raising the bar for the gaming industry and the community as a whole.

About the Role:

We’re looking for a commercially minded Senior HR Manager to take ownership of all people matters across our UK studio (~600 employees). Reporting to the Head of People, you’ll partner with senior leadership on ER, policy, compliance and people operations, contribute to global HR projects alongside our teams in Montreal, Austin and Frankfurt, and line manage our People Coordinator. This is an onsite role based at our studio in Manchester.

What you’ll own.

Own all ER casework across the UK studio, including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and absence, delivering legally compliant and commercially sound outcomes.

Act as a trusted advisor to managers, leadership and executive stakeholders, delivering pragmatic HR counsel that drives better decision-making and business performance.

Oversee a high-quality employee lifecycle, leveraging HRIS, AI tools and automation to streamline processes and improve the colleague experience at scale.

Keep UK HR policies current and compliant, translating legislative changes into clear, accessible guidance for the business.

Track and analyse key people metrics (turnover, absence, ER caseload), using data-driven insight to recommend proactive interventions to leadership.

Contribute to and lead cross-functional people projects with global HR peers in Montreal, Austin and Frankfurt, ensuring UK needs are well represented.

Champion the studio’s culture and values, partnering with leadership on engagement initiatives and creating an environment where people do their best work.

• Lead and develop the People Coordinator, setting clear priorities and ensuring effective day-to-day HR operations across the studio.

What we’re looking for.

Significant HR experience at a senior level, ideally within a fast-paced, complex organisation, with a strong track record in ER case management and a thorough understanding of UK employment law.

A credible, confident HR advisor who can influence at all levels — translating business objectives into effective people strategies and communicating employment law clearly to non-HR audiences.

Experience managing and developing direct reports, with a coaching mindset and a commitment to building a high-performing HR function.

Data-literate and comfortable working with people metrics to identify trends and inform decision-making, with hands‑on experience of HRIS platforms and a genuine interest in HR technology and automation.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge and advise senior stakeholders while maintaining strong working relationships.

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!