At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the HR function and shape people strategy in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Join a growing financial services organisation with a strong people-focused culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and high visibility with executive stakeholders.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence strategic HR initiatives and develop management capability.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on business growth and foster a high-performing culture.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and CIPD qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 51648 - 63126 £ per year.
- Job ID: JN-072026-7064878Posted: 2026-07-23Location: Leeds, England, GBType: Full-time
- Company: Michael Page
- Contact: Georgi Cox Job function: Human Resources
- Subsector: Head of HRSector: Insurance
Where: Leeds Contract type: Permanent Consultant name: Georgi Cox Are you aspiring to be a global HR Director?Do you have operational HR leadership experience across larger teams?About Our Client Our client is a well-established and growing financial services organisation with an ambitious growth agenda and a strong people-focused culture.
As they continue to evolve, they are seeking an experienced Head of HR to lead the people function, partnering closely with senior leadership to deliver both strategic HR initiatives and operational excellence across the business.
This is a broad and highly visible leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver the people strategy while remaining hands-on across key areas including talent, employee relations, organisational development, leadership capability, performance management and change.
Leading a small HR team, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting business growth, developing management capability and fostering a high-performing culture.
Job Description Lead the overall HR function, ensuring delivery of both strategic and operational HR objectives.
Partner with senior leaders to align people strategy with business goals.
Take ownership of the full employee life cycle, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, reward and development.
Provide expert guidance on complex people matters and employment legislation.
Drive leadership development, succession planning and management capability.
Lead organisational change, transformation and restructuring initiatives.
Oversee HR policies, processes and compliance to ensure best practice.
Use HR data and insights to support decision-making and business performance.
Lead, develop and mentor the HR team.
Champion a high-performance, people-centric culture across the organisation.
The Successful Applicant Proven experience leading an HR function within a complex organisation.
Strong strategic and operational HR capability.
CIPD qualified or equivalent.
Excellent knowledge of employment law and employee relations.
Experience coaching and influencing senior stakeholders and leadership teams.
Demonstrated success delivering HR projects and change initiatives.
Strong commercial awareness and business partnering skills.
Confident operating in a fast-paced environment and managing competing priorities.
Experience within Financial Services or another regulated environment would be advantageous.
Data-driven, pragmatic and solutions-focused with strong leadership presence.
What's on Offer Opportunity to shape and influence the people agenda at a senior level.
Broad remit covering strategy, operations, leadership and organisational development.
High visibility role with regular exposure to Executive and Board stakeholders.
Chance to make a significant impact within a growing and evolving business.
Head of HR in Leeds employer: Michael Page International
Michael Page is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on mentoring and team collaboration, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses. Joining this multinational organisation means being part of a high-growth team dedicated to delivering exceptional tax compliance services across diverse sectors.
Contact Details:
Michael Page International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Leeds
✨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 Michael Page International!
✨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 Michael Page International.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Leeds
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 Michael Page International. 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 Michael Page International 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 Michael Page International. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Michael Page International'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 Michael Page International
✨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 Michael Page International.
✨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 Michael Page International 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 Michael Page International and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
