Senior HR Manager in London

Senior HR Manager in London

London Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Ashley Kate HR

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop the HR team while shaping the People Strategy.
  • Company: Respected insurance organisation with a strong focus on employee wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and supportive culture.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a values-led organisation prioritising people.
  • Qualifications: Strong HR experience, ideally in financial services, with a collaborative approach.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

We're looking for an experienced and people-focused Senior HR Manager to join a well-respected organisation based in the City on a retained basis. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys shaping the full people agenda from strategy to day-to-day delivery.

A bit about the business: With a headcount of around 90, the organisation operates in the financial services sector, specifically insurance with a strong purpose-led culture and a genuine focus on employee wellbeing, development, and inclusion. It's a close-knit business, known for encouraging open dialogue and cross-functional working. People tend to join for the breadth of role, exposure to senior decision-making, and the chance to be part of a values-led organisation where people really do come first.

Reporting into the COO, you'll lead the small HR team and work closely with senior leaders, including the CEO, to shape and deliver the People Strategy. This is a hands-on and strategic role where you'll be expected to provide expert HR advice, support cultural initiatives, and drive continuous improvement in how people are managed and supported across the business.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Leading, coaching, and developing the HR team
  • Partnering with senior leaders to deliver the People Strategy
  • Managing all core HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, performance, reward, and L&D
  • Supporting engagement and wellbeing activity across the business
  • Overseeing complex employee relations matters and providing guidance to managers
  • Supporting organisational development, talent planning, and succession
  • Leading cyclical HR processes including the annual pay and bonus review
  • Driving people-related projects as needed

What we're looking for: You'll be a credible and well-rounded HR professional with strong generalist experience, gained in financial services. Insurance experience would be a bonus, but it's not essential. We're looking for someone who can build trusted relationships at all levels, offer sound judgement, and bring a balance of strategic thinking and practical delivery. You should also bring:

  • Strong understanding of SMCR
  • Experience leading a small HR function or operating at senior HRBP/Head of level
  • Knowledge across the full employee lifecycle
  • Confidence working with senior leaders and managing change
  • Good understanding of employment law and best practice
  • A collaborative, down-to-earth style; someone who is approachable, pragmatic and organised

CIPD qualification (ideally at Chartered) is desirable, but equivalent experience will be considered.

What's on offer: A competitive salary and benefits package, discretionary bonus up to 20%, supportive, people-first culture, broad scope of work and close partnership with the senior leadership team.

If you're looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact and help shape how people experience work, this could be a great fit.

About Us: We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.

Senior HR Manager in London employer: Ashley Kate HR

Join a well-respected organisation in the heart of the City of London, where a strong purpose-led culture prioritises employee wellbeing and development. As a Senior HR Manager, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment that values open dialogue and cross-functional teamwork, offering you the chance to shape the People Strategy while working closely with senior leaders. With a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the insurance sector.

Ashley Kate HR

Contact Details:

Ashley Kate HR Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior HR Manager in London

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Ashley Kate HR!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Ashley Kate HR.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Manager in London

People Management
HR Strategy Development
Employee Relations
Recruitment and Onboarding
Performance Management
Learning and Development (L&D)
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Ashley Kate HR. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Ashley Kate HR and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Ashley Kate HR. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Ashley Kate HR's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ashley Kate HR

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Ashley Kate HR.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at Ashley Kate HR will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Ashley Kate HR and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.