At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead talent strategies and development initiatives to shape AXA's future-ready organisation.
- Company: Join AXA, a global leader in insurance and financial services.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping talent management in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in talent strategies and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
About AXA
AXA is a global leader in insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most to them.
As the sixth-largest insurance company in the world, we provide a wide range of services, including health, car, home, and business insurance.
We support millions of customers worldwide, helping them navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.
AXA UK Support Functions look after our three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure and expertise to make sure we can be there for our customers.
Job overview
This is an exciting time to join AXA UK’s People function as we continue an ambitious transformation journey to build a more future-ready, strategic and impactful organisation.
We’re looking for an inspiring Head of Talent to play a pivotal role in shaping this change—leading our Talent Management and Development strategies, strengthening succession and talent pipelines, and building the skills and capabilities AXA needs for the future.
Reporting to the Director of Culture, Capability & Talent, you’ll partner with senior leaders and global teams to turn our talent ambitions into meaningful business outcomes and help create a high-performance culture where our people can thrive.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and implement the UK Talent Management and Development Strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Develop, own and deliver a best in class end to end talent management cycle.
- Build strategic partnerships with internal stakeholders, including Group Talent, European Markets, and senior leadership.
- Lead succession planning processes to strengthen talent pipelines for key roles.
- Define and execute talent development initiatives for high-potential segments.
- Own the end to end early careers strategy, design and delivery.
- Lead on the development of the skills and capabilities roadmap, partnering closely with the Workforce strategy team.
- Provide strategic leadership to the Talent team, fostering a high-performing, innovative culture.
- Influence and engage senior leaders and the AXA Group HR team on talent initiatives.
- Stay ahead of emerging talent trends and contribute innovative ideas and thought leadership to the AXA UK Talent Centre of Excellence.
- Develop and lead on talent insights and data, and translating these into impactful action.
- Manage the talent budget effectively to maximise return on investment.
Work arrangements
At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers.
You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) from December 2026.
Away from home means attending the office, visiting clients or attending industry events.
We’re also happy to consider flexible working arrangements, which you can discuss with Talent Acquisition.
Your skills & experience
- Extensive experience of developing, owning and delivering talent strategies.
- Deep understanding of talent best practices and hands on experience of embedding these to drive business impact.
- Proven experience managing and motivating talent teams within complex, global organisations.
- Strong track record in designing and delivering predictive, data-driven talent strategies.
- Excellent relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders at all levels, including C-suite.
- Exceptional communication and influencing abilities.
- Deep understanding of external talent trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
- Experience in strategic partnership development and stakeholder management.
- Ability to lead change and foster a high-performance culture.
- Extensive experience in talent development, succession planning, and organisational growth initiatives.
As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.
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Head of Talent in Bolton employer: AXA Group
AXA XL in London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the insurance sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those looking to advance their careers in underwriting while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Talent in Bolton
✨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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Talent in Bolton
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 AXA Group. 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 AXA Group 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 AXA Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to AXA Group'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 AXA Group
✨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 AXA Group.
✨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!
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A full-time HR role at AXA Group 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.
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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 AXA Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.