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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy for M&A, ensuring smooth transitions and cultural alignment.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid working, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that shapes company culture during M&A.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR M&A, TUPE transfers, and project management; CIPD qualified preferred.
- Other info: Diverse team with a commitment to positive change and reasonable adjustments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Who are we? Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 23,000 employees spanning over 56 countries. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It's what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you'll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
We're looking for an experienced HR M&A Lead to drive the people strategy across the full M&A lifecycle—from target assessment and due diligence through Day 1 readiness and post-deal integration. This is a pivotal role ensuring smooth transitions, compliance, and cultural alignment during complex transactions.
Key Responsibilities- Governance
- Establish HR M&A governance, cadence, and decision rights; maintain playbooks, templates, and controls.
- Develop people-related risk registers and mitigation plans; oversee compliance (GDPR, employment law, TUPE).
- Build and maintain integration roadmap, benefits harmonisation/alignment strategy, and culture alignment plan.
- Pre-Deal & Due Diligence
- Lead HR due diligence (data room requests, Q&A), covering:
- Org structures, headcount, contractual terms
- Compensation/benefits, pensions, bonus plans, share schemes.
- Employment policies, TUPE exposure, litigation, grievances.
- Talent assessment: critical roles, retention risks, leadership bench.
- HR systems, payroll, and data privacy posture.
- Quantify people-related liabilities.
- Day 1 Readiness
- Define Day 1 operating model: org charts, reporting lines, contracts/offer letters, payroll readiness, benefits continuity.
- Prepare leadership comms packs, FAQs, and line manager guidance (including sensitive change messaging).
- Coordinate retention and incentive plans for critical talent.
- Design and execute change impact assessments and readiness checks.
- Post-Deal Integration
- Lead org design and workforce planning.
- Lead any associated consultation process including TUPE appropriately and legally.
- Harmonise/align reward & benefits, policies, and policies; align HRIS/payroll and data models.
- Implement culture integration: values alignment, leadership behaviours, employee listening, and pulse surveys.
- Stakeholder Management & Communications
- Act as trusted adviser to Leadership team; manage relationships with Legal, Finance, IT, Operations and Vendors.
- Oversee statutory and TUPE consultations.
- Drive clear, timely and empathetic employee communications that protect retention and employer brand.
- Compliance & Risk
- Ensure adherence to UK employment law, TUPE Regulations, collective consultation requirements, and GDPR.
- Oversee HR controls: payroll accuracy, contract issuance, right-to-work checks, data security in data rooms.
- Proven track record leading HR workstreams in M&A, integrations.
- Strong experience with TUPE transfers.
- Experience in reward harmonisation, benefits transition, and HRIS/payroll integration.
- Project/PMO discipline: milestones, RAID logs, dependency management.
- CIPD qualified (Level 5/7 preferred) or equivalent HR qualification.
- Familiarity with Workday.
What do we offer in return? A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we're looking for individuals who share the same values as us:
- Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new.
- We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges.
- We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.
Reasonable adjustments: We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours and hybrid working. If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it's the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role's criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.
HR M&A Lead in London employer: Howden
Contact Detail:
Howden Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR M&A Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Howden or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Howden's culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their no-limits mindset and collaborative spirit. Show them you're not just a fit on paper but also a cultural match!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in HR M&A can drive people strategy and ensure smooth transitions. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave them wanting to know more!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Howden team!
We think you need these skills to ace HR M&A Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for HR and M&A. Remember, we value authenticity and a no-limits mindset.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in M&A and TUPE transfers. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role. This shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Quantify your achievements where possible, like how you improved processes or led successful integrations. We love seeing how you’ve made a positive impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden
✨Know Your M&A Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your M&A knowledge, especially around HR processes. Understand the full lifecycle from due diligence to post-deal integration. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've handled these phases will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Savvy
Since compliance is a big part of this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with UK employment law, TUPE regulations, and GDPR. Bring examples of how you've navigated these areas in past roles to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
Howden prides itself on its culture, so be ready to discuss how you align with their values. Think about how you've contributed to culture integration in previous roles and be prepared to share those stories during the interview.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you've managed relationships with various stakeholders in the past. Have examples ready that highlight your communication skills and ability to act as a trusted adviser, especially in complex situations.
