At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and develop high-performing teams in a dynamic investment bank.
- Company: International boutique investment bank with a focus on growth and evolution.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team and shape the future of HR in a thriving organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people strategy and organisational performance in a pivotal role.
- Qualifications: Experience as HR Director or Senior HR Business Partner in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Oakleaf are working exclusively with an international boutique investment bank who are seeking an HR Director to join the business on a 9 month fixed‑term basis. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this is a pivotal number two role within the People function, combining strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery across a broad HR remit. The organisation has experienced significant growth over recent years and is now entering an exciting phase of consolidation and evolution. This role will play a key part in shaping and driving the people agenda, partnering closely with the Executive team to build organisational capability, strengthen leadership, and support the delivery of the wider business strategy.
You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and ExCo members, providing coaching, challenge and support as the business navigates organisational change and leadership transitions. The organisation operates with a lean HR structure, so this role requires someone who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with practical execution. Whilst you'll shape the direction of the people agenda, you'll also be comfortable rolling up your sleeves when needed.
Key Responsibilities- Partner with the Chief People Officer to shape and deliver the organisation's people strategy.
- Lead and develop a team of HR Business Partners, creating a high‑performing and commercially focused HR function.
- Build strong relationships with Executive and senior leadership teams, providing strategic HR guidance and challenge.
- Drive organisational effectiveness through workforce planning, succession planning, talent management and organisational design.
- Lead the development of leadership capability, performance management and people development frameworks.
- Oversee recruitment strategy, employer branding and talent attraction initiatives.
- Develop and embed learning and development solutions that support future capability needs.
- Own and enhance early careers, apprenticeship and talent pipeline programmes.
- Provide strategic oversight of complex employee relations matters and organisational change activity.
- Lead HR policy development, governance and compliance activities within a regulated environment.
- Maintain oversight of whistleblowing frameworks, investigations, reporting and associated regulatory requirements.
- Use people data and analytics to identify trends, risks and opportunities, translating insights into action plans.
- Contribute to wider business transformation and change initiatives.
- Previous experience operating at HR Director, Head of HR or Senior HR Business Partner level within a regulated environment.
- Strong experience leading and developing HR teams and acting as a coach and sounding board to both HR professionals and senior leaders.
- A track record of shaping and implementing people strategies that drive organisational performance and capability.
- Experience partnering with Executive and Board‑level stakeholders, including upskilling newly appointed exco‑members.
- Strong organisational development, succession planning and talent management expertise.
- Broad HR generalist experience covering employee relations, recruitment, workforce planning, performance management and organisational change.
- Experience operating in environments where balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery is essential.
- Strong commercial awareness, influencing skills and the ability to build credibility quickly.
- Knowledge of governance, risk and compliance frameworks within regulated sectors.
This is an excellent opportunity for a forward‑thinking HR leader who enjoys building capability, influencing senior stakeholders and making a tangible impact on both people strategy and business performance.
HR Director 6-9 month FTC in London employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Join an international boutique investment bank in London as an HR Director, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the people agenda during an exciting phase of growth and evolution. The company fosters a dynamic work culture that values strategic thinking alongside practical execution, offering ample opportunities for professional development and collaboration with senior leadership. With a focus on organisational capability and employee engagement, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in a regulated environment while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Director 6-9 month FTC in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend HR events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your insights and experiences. Talk about how you've shaped people strategies and driven organisational performance. This is your time to shine!
✨Be Ready for the Hands-On Stuff
Remember, this role is all about balancing strategy with execution. Be prepared to discuss how you can roll up your sleeves and tackle practical HR challenges while still keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Director 6-9 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous roles in HR leadership, especially in regulated environments, to show us you’re the right fit for this pivotal role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this opportunity. Share examples of how you've successfully shaped people strategies and partnered with senior leaders in the past. We want to see your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. We’re looking for someone who can not only shape the people agenda but also roll up their sleeves when needed, so give us examples of both!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's background and its people strategy. Understand their recent growth and how you can contribute to their evolution. Being able to discuss specific challenges they face will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company’s future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an HR Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced senior stakeholders in the past. Highlight your coaching experiences and how you've developed others, as this will resonate well with the executive team.
✨Balance Strategy with Execution
This role requires a mix of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Be ready to discuss how you've balanced these two aspects in previous roles. Share specific instances where you've implemented people strategies while also getting involved in day-to-day HR activities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about complex employee relations matters and organisational change. Think through potential scenarios you might face in this role and how you would handle them. This will demonstrate your readiness to tackle the challenges of a lean HR structure.
