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- Tasks: Lead global HR programmes to support organisational growth and transformation.
- Company: Dynamic insurance company focused on innovative HR solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while driving strategic initiatives across the organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading HR programmes and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As our organisation continues to evolve and scale, we are seeking a strategic and delivery-focused HR Programme Lead to drive the execution of global HR Operations initiatives. This role sits at the intersection of HR strategy and programme delivery, ensuring that our people practices are efficient, scalable, and aligned with broader transformation goals.
The successful candidate will bring a strong programme management mindset, capable of leading complex initiatives across multiple workstreams, managing interdependencies, and delivering outcomes that support both operational excellence and strategic ambition.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the design and delivery of global HR programmes that support organisational growth and transformation.
- Manage a team of experts to deliver high-impact HR initiatives across multiple regions.
- Apply programme management disciplines - planning, tracking, reporting, and risk mitigation - to ensure successful delivery.
- Collaborate with HR Operations and HRIS to ensure alignment between programme outcomes and system capabilities.
- Embed compliance controls (e.g. SOX) into programme activities where required.
- Maintain programme governance through stakeholder reporting, stage gate reviews, and change control.
- Drive optimisation initiatives to improve scalability and technical alignment across HR services.
- Partner with business stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and adoption of HR programmes.
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance is considered across all HR initiatives.
- Work with the Change Management Practice to embed changes effectively using structured change management approaches.
- Identify and elevate risks, ensuring resolution plans are in place.
- Lead teams to achieve programme goals and support evolving project needs aligned to HR strategy.
- Proven experience in leading HR programmes within a large or scaling organisation.
- Strong programme and project management skills, including planning, governance, and delivery across multiple workstreams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and align diverse groups across geographies.
- Understanding of HR compliance and regulatory frameworks (e.g. SOX, GDPR).
- Experience working with HR technology platforms and translating programme requirements into system design.
- Exceptional communication skills - able to convey complex information clearly and drive engagement across all levels.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to lead and motivate teams in a matrixed or global environment.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in fast-paced, evolving contexts.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Human Resources
Industry: Insurance
HR Programme Lead in London employer: Howden
Contact Detail:
Howden Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Programme Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around HR programme delivery and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on showcasing your programme management skills and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Programme Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the HR Programme Lead role. Highlight your experience in leading HR programmes and managing complex initiatives. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about HR and how you can drive our global initiatives. Be sure to mention specific examples of your programme management success.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to engage diverse groups and manage stakeholders effectively. We love seeing candidates who can navigate different perspectives and drive alignment across teams.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden
✨Know Your HR Programmes
Before the interview, dive deep into the HR programmes that the company has implemented. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals and how they align with organisational growth. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Programme Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led HR initiatives. Highlight your planning, tracking, and risk mitigation strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about how you've managed stakeholder relationships in previous roles. Think of instances where you influenced diverse groups or navigated complex interdependencies. This will show your ability to engage effectively across geographies, which is crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of HR compliance frameworks like SOX and GDPR. Be prepared to discuss how you've embedded compliance controls in past projects. This will demonstrate your awareness of legal considerations and your commitment to maintaining high standards in HR practices.
