Head of EMEA HR and Strategic HR Business Partner in London

Head of EMEA HR and Strategic HR Business Partner in London

London Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR strategy across EMEA, driving people-focused business success and transformation.
  • Company: Join ISS STOXX, a global leader in capital market solutions with a commitment to innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work culture, career growth opportunities, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Other info: Collaborate with a diverse team and leverage AI to modernise HR delivery.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping HR practices and empowering teams across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years of HR experience with a strong background in strategic business partnering and change management.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

We are seeking a business-minded, forward-looking HR leader to join our global Human Resources team. You will lead our people agenda across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and act as a thought partner to a member of our Executive Leadership Team (ELT). You will help that organisation become more effective, enabling faster delivery for our clients and supporting business growth. This part of the role is less about running HR processes and more about helping the business win through its people: how the organisation is designed, how it changes, how its leaders lead, and how its culture drives performance.

At the same time, you will modernise how HR is delivered in the region. As a key client of our global HR Shared Services, you will own the successful move of transactional and operational work out of the region and keep finding more that can move. You will also champion an AI-enabled way of working, so our team spends its time where it adds the most value: talent, leadership, organisational effectiveness and change.

As a member of the HR Leadership Team, you will help shape global HR strategy, not just execute it regionally. You will represent a key area of transformation for the company and are expected to be a significant contributor and team player.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the senior point of escalation for HR in the region, ensuring practices comply with local employment law and global policies.
  • Lead, develop and inspire the EMEA HR team (approximately 15 people), and partner with regional specialists such as Talent Acquisition.
  • Manage day-to-day relationships with Works Councils, unions and employee representative bodies.
  • Manage complex employee relations matters, balancing risk, fairness and business needs.
  • Deliver annual performance, promotion and compensation cycles effectively in the region.
  • Design and lead change management for restructuring and integration.
  • Help leaders build a high-performing, accountable culture aligned with our values.
  • Lead the people elements of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across the region.
  • Serve as the senior HR thought partner to an ELT member.
  • Help the client organisation operate more effectively and at greater pace.
  • Understand how the business makes money and translate these into a clear people plan.
  • Coach and counsel senior leaders on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics.
  • Use people data to diagnose issues early and recommend practical solutions.
  • Own the success of the EMEA transition to global HR Shared Services.
  • Continually identify further activities that can move to Shared Services or be simplified.
  • Coach and lead the EMEA HR team through the shift from regional execution to business partnering.
  • Champion AI-enabled HR and act as a steward of the responsible use of AI in HR.
  • Contribute to global HR strategy, policy and priorities.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Human Resources, Business, Economics, Law or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 15+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant senior experience partnering directly with executive-level leaders.
  • Proven record of moving an HR team from operational delivery to strategic business partnering.
  • Experience leading restructuring, M&A integration and large-scale change across several European countries.
  • Thorough working knowledge of employment law and practice across key EMEA markets.
  • Business and financial acumen.
  • Thought partnership and influence.
  • Organisation design and change leadership.
  • Data and AI fluency.
  • Coaching skills.
  • Enterprise mindset.
  • Fluent English required.

Nice to have

  • Experience in financial services, financial data or technology.
  • Organisation design, change or coaching accreditation.
  • Experience with Workday and/or SAP SuccessFactors.

Our people are the moving force behind our work. We are committed to building a culture that values diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. Together, we can grow your career in an environment that fuels creativity, drives innovation, and has real impact.

Head of EMEA HR and Strategic HR Business Partner in London employer: Qontigo

At ISS STOXX, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Principal Platform Engineer in London, you will have the opportunity to shape cutting-edge cloud platforms while contributing to our AI transformation, all within a diverse team that values your expertise and encourages continuous learning. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on operational excellence, we empower our engineers to drive meaningful impact in the capital markets sector.

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Contact Details:

Qontigo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of EMEA HR and Strategic HR Business Partner in London

✨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 Qontigo!

✨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.

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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 Qontigo.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of EMEA HR and Strategic HR Business Partner in London

Strategic HR Leadership
Employee Relations
Change Management
Coaching and Mentoring
Data Analytics
AI Integration in HR
Organisational Design

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 Qontigo. 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 Qontigo 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 Qontigo. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Qontigo'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 Qontigo

✨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 Qontigo.

✨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 Qontigo 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 Qontigo and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.