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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations for a global financial services firm during significant growth.
- Company: Join a leading global Financial Services firm with a strong reputation and growth ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international exposure, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape a high-performing people function and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in HR, with experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative culture with a focus on engagement and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 23 February 2026
Department: Client Role
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London, UK
We are currently representing a leading global Financial Services firm in the appointment of high-calibre professionals as part of a period of strategic growth and investment. Our client operates at the intersection of corporate, fiduciary and regulatory services, partnering with private equity houses, investment managers and international financial institutions. Backed by long-term institutional investment and an established global brand, the firm is scaling its capabilities, technology and international footprint. This is an opportunity to join a business that combines the agility of a growth platform with the credibility, client base and governance of a market leader.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Human Resources Director will play a critical role in shaping and delivering a high-performing, globally consistent People function during a period of significant international growth. Operating as a senior partner to the executive leadership team, this role will balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution, supporting a fast-growing, private-equity-backed financial services organisation with a complex, multi-jurisdictional footprint. As one of two senior HR Directors, the role will have responsibility for driving scalable people infrastructure, strengthening performance management, and ensuring robust governance across the UK and Europe, while supporting leaders through change, growth, and increasing organisational complexity. This is a London or Dublin-based role with a strong international remit. Further details on the organisation, culture and role will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the CPO to define and execute a global People strategy aligned to the organisation’s culture, reputation, and growth ambitions
- Lead HR operations across multiple jurisdictions and time zones, ensuring consistency, scalability, and compliance
- Provide expert guidance on UK and European employment law, advising leaders on regulatory, employee relations, and people risk matters
- Support the development of high-impact performance management systems, including frameworks for performance reviews, career progression, reward, and managing underperformance
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on organisational design, leadership development, succession planning, and change initiatives
- Contribute to the design and implementation of a new HRIS, including HR processes, policies, and data migration
- Support and oversee talent acquisition at scale, maintaining high standards across regions
- Shape and embed a values-led, inclusive culture, with a strong focus on engagement and DEI
- Coach leaders and managers, building capability, confidence, and healthy team environments
- Manage and contribute to significant annual HR budgets, ensuring commercial rigour and ROI
What is Necessary for Success
- 10+ years’ experience in HR roles within fast-paced, entrepreneurial services environments, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
- Proven experience operating in high-growth professional services, financial services, or technology-led organisations
- Strong, hands-on experience managing HR operations across multiple countries, with deep knowledge of UK and European employment law
- Experience leading or contributing to HR systems implementation and data migration (e.g. SuccessFactors, BambooHR, or similar platforms)
- Demonstrated ability to operate with commercial acumen, including building and presenting business cases to executive and board-level stakeholders
- Experience supporting talent acquisition and workforce scaling in complex, multi-region environments
- Comfortable working in ambiguous, evolving environments, with the ability to move fluidly between strategy and execution
- Strong advisory presence, able to build trusted relationships quickly with senior leaders and stakeholders
- A personal drive for high standards, continuous improvement, and impact, coupled with sound judgement and pragmatism
HR Director employer: Instant Impact
Contact Detail:
Instant Impact Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers. Show them how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in HR operations and leadership!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a simple way to show appreciation and keep you fresh in their minds. We suggest mentioning something specific from the conversation to make it personal.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Director role. Highlight your experience in high-growth environments and your knowledge of UK and European employment law. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven people strategies in previous positions, and don’t forget to show your passion for shaping inclusive cultures.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an HR Director, you'll be a key partner to our executive team. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed HR operations across multiple jurisdictions. We love seeing candidates who can balance strategy with hands-on execution!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instant Impact
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the company’s operations, especially their approach to HR in a global context. Brush up on UK and European employment law, as this will be crucial for the role. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs will show you’re the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution. Think of times when you’ve successfully implemented HR strategies in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a high-growth setting.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Change Management
Given the nature of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience with organisational design and change initiatives. Share specific instances where you’ve coached leaders through transitions, showcasing your advisory skills and ability to build trusted relationships.
✨Highlight Your Tech Savvy
Since the role involves contributing to HR systems implementation, be ready to discuss your experience with platforms like SuccessFactors or BambooHR. Talk about how you’ve managed data migration and improved HR processes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
