People Manager for SLA - a nature-based design studio in Copen­ha­gen

Do you believe successful organizations are built on engaged people, trust, and thoughtful leadership? Are you motivated by helping talented professionals thrive across cultures, disciplines, and borders?

People Manager – help shape people, culture, and growth in an international nature-based design studio in Copenhagen

At SLA, our greatest strength is people. If you want to work at the intersection of leadership, organizational development, and people strategy in an internationally recognized design studio, this is the role for you.

Our mission

At SLA we design places for all life. We learn from nature and its processes in everything we do. Through curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a hands-on approach, we connect people with nature – and in doing so, create resilient, livable environments that support life in all its forms.

When people drive the organization

As People Manager, you will play a broad and influential role across SLA’s offices in Aarhus, Oslo and Copenhagen. Your work spans operational HR, strategic development, and leadership support, ensuring that the organization evolves in step with our growth and international ambitions.

You will act as a trusted HR Business Partner, supporting managers — including those new to management — in people development, organizational questions, and employee engagement. You will report to COO Klavs Holm Madsen and collaborate closely with team managers, employee representatives, and colleagues across the studios.

Working at SLA

Joining us, you’ll become part of an ambitious, value-driven international design studio where people, knowledge, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.

You’ll work alongside skilled colleagues from 25+ nationalities in a learning-focused studio that values trust, teamwork, and responsibility. We aim to create a flexible and balanced work environment that ensures balance in both your work life and life outside work.

As SLA expands internationally, including into Canada, the People Manager role offers substantial development potential as your responsibilities may evolve as the studio grows, providing opportunities to develop alongside the organization.

Your role across operations, development, and leadership

HR Operations & Compliance

• Act as primary HR contact for employees as well as management support in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Oslo.

• Develop and maintain HR policies and people processes that support a modern, international organization

• Implement and drive the development of SLA’s future HR system

• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and HR best practices

• Collaborate closely with payroll and finance on personnel administration

Talent & Development

• Lead recruitment end-to-end

• Facilitate employee development, competence mapping, and performance dialogues (MUS)

Management Support & Engagement

• Support organizational development and employee engagement

• Contribute to collaboration committees and work environment initiatives, including facilitating the 2026 workplace assessment (APV)

An experienced HR professional with organizational insight

We hope to hear from someone who thrives both strategically and hands-on in a dynamic, creative environment. You understand how people, leadership, and organizational structures interact, and how thoughtful HR practices support both individual well-being and business growth.

You likely hold a relevant HR or organizational development education and have several years of experience in HR operations, recruitment, and employee development. You are comfortable translating policies into practical guidance, have a solid understanding of employment law, and communicate clearly in both Danish and English.

Experience from international workplaces or project-based environments such as consultancy, architecture, or design is an advantage.

The person behind the role

You are approachable, calm, and attentive, with a natural ability to build trust across cultures. You communicate with clarity and respect and feel comfortable navigating complex conversations.

At the same time, you bring structure and action to your work, following through on decisions and translating ideas into practical processes that strengthen the organization. Thoughtful and reflective, you value context, integrity, and professionalism, and thrive in an environment that celebrates curiosity, diversity, and mutual respect.

Making people the priority

In the short term, success means smooth HR operations, visible support for managers and employees, and strong recruitment processes. You will also play a key role in successfully implementing and driving SLA’s new HR system, ensuring colleagues know where to turn for support.

In the longer term, success means strengthening SLA’s organizational foundation, helping managers develop, supporting employee engagement, and ensuring the studio remains an attractive workplace for international talent.

Will you join our mission?

The only thing left is for you to submit your motivated CV via the “Apply” button by April 6th. We review applications on an ongoing basis, so feel free to send yours as soon as possible. You can read more about what a motivated CV should include here.

We are working with Konsulenthuset Ballisager A/S on this recruitment. If you have any questions about the position, you are welcome to contact Senior Consultant Charlotte Novella at cno@ballisager.com or by phone at +45 3063 1246.

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About SLA
SLA is an internationally awarded nature-based design studio with offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Oslo. We combine deep interdisciplinary insight and research with high artistic ambitions and award-winning design expertise.

Our culture is built on servant leadership, respect across disciplines, and freedom with responsibility. We value strong professional communities, work-life balance, and an engaged social environment.