Head of Human Resources

Head of HR

Permanent

London – hybrid

£130,000 (flexible DOE) + bonus+ LTIP

Middlemore has been retained by a boutique Financial Services client to recruit a Head/Director of Human Resources, reporting directly to the CEO and based in London (hybrid working).

This role will sit on the Executive Committee, leading the design and implementation of the People and Culture strategy for an organisation with a rich heritage and a strong appetite for growth—including anticipated M&A—and a commitment to doubling down on their culture of high performance.

It requires a hands-on HR leader. Someone who knows how to run lean and navigate a matrix group structure to share (and borrow) capabilities and best practices. Noting this organisation is small independent entity, but has the ability to pull on resources across the group separate entities. This is a perfect stepping stone for a divisional or regional HR leader ready to step into a true HR Director role in an entity with its own board, NEDs, and executive committee (with full autonomy).

Talent and Organisational Development will be a key focus for the incoming HR Director. We’re looking for someone with a broad, generalist HR skillset who knows how to dial up performance, shape culture with the support of the ExCo, and structure the business for scale and optimal output.

Key Responsibilities:

• HR Strategy – Develop and execute the HR strategy to support the delivery of the business strategy through people.
• Board & Committee Involvement – Lead the relationship with the Chair of the Remuneration and Nominations Committee and, in partnership with the RNC Chair, set the quarterly agenda and produce papers to support committee discussions/approvals. Act as secretary for RNC. Member of Executive Committee and Operations Committee.
• Business Partner – Act as business partner to the leaders across the HR remit including organisational design, workforce planning, restructuring and employee relations issues.
• Culture and Employee Engagement – Monitor employee engagement and lead action planning to drive improvement. Partner with business to remediate areas of concern and continue to develop the ‘one team’ culture.
• Talent Management – Lead talent review and succession planning.
• Learning & Development– Design learning plan for the business in line with regulatory and business requirements.
• Performance Management – Act as trusted counsel and coach to the C-suite (Executive Committee). Coach managers on performance management to ensure that employees are continually developed and meeting clear and challenging objectives. Further develop the performance management framework to support the organisations corporate goals. Run annual calibration meetings.
• Reward – Manage annual pay and bonus review. Ensure variable remuneration rewards and retains high performers. Advise and support employees on company benefits.
• HR Systems and Reporting– Modernise, standardise and automate core HR processes, thereby increasing direct access for employees and managers and capacity for strategic partnership from HR. Ensure that Workday is the system of record for the company and oversee data quality. Design and deliver management information and reporting.

Experience

• Proven experience as a Senior HR Business Partner within a fast-paced financial services environment – Essential. Would suit an individual looking to take the next step up to head of department level or an experienced HR Director looking to reduce scope/remit.
• Knowledge and understanding of insurance sector to be able to challenge Executive Committee colleagues as appropriate
• Knowledge and understanding of regulatory environment
• Change management/transformation experience

If this is something of interest then please do apply!