Temporary People Manager in City of London

We are Recognise Bank, a modern business bank built to support the UK’s SMEs with tailored lending and savings solutions. Founded in 2017 by experienced business owners, we set out to challenge traditional banking by offering more flexibility, understanding, and practical support to help businesses thrive. Our vision is building stronger futures with bespoke financial solutions. We understand that no two financial needs are the same, which is why we work closely with UK SMEs and individuals to unlock potential others often overlook. Through smart, flexible lending and savings products, we’re here to build and grow stronger futures for lasting success.

The role owns and runs core people processes end-to-end, across the employee lifecycle, reward, resourcing, performance and engagement. The Senior People Manager will combine hands-on delivery with day-to-day leadership of the team. The SPM will support the COO, who owns and defines the People Strategy and holds policy accountability.

• Implement and deliver the People Strategy and DEI Strategy set by the COO, turning direction into delivered outcomes.
• Maintain and update People policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct (together with Compliance), People Standard Operating Procedures and the Employee Relations toolkit for the People team.
• Own Health & Safety, DSE and risk assessment obligations and return-to-work processes.
• Prepare committee and governance packs as required by the COO, support people-related governance under SMCR.
• Own ER case management with the support of the COO and General Counsel, applying the ER toolkit and ensuring consistent, well-documented outcomes in line with applicable laws and regulations.
• Own the recruitment process, sourcing strategy and EVP, manage onboarding, induction, manager guidance, probation and offboarding.
• Run goal setting, performance management, calibration, underperformance and PIP processes.
• Own career pathways, succession planning, leadership and next generation development and coaching.
• Manage salary bands, pay structures, benchmarking, benefits, bonus and recognition processes.

Experience operating at a People Manager level or equivalent (has performed a comparable generalist role):

• Proven generalist HR experience across the full employee lifecycle.
• Track record owning ER case management end-to-end.
• Experience writing policies, SOPs and handbooks.
• Confident with HR systems and People MI.
• Policy and governance drafting.
• Experience running reward, benefits, benchmarking and performance management frameworks.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR or business coaching qualification.
• Senior People Manager, Senior HR BP or HR Lead experience.
• Experience in regulated / financial services environment.
• Experience standing up or maturing an HR function.
• Organisation design and role architecture development or implementation experience.

At Recognise Bank, we're building more than a bank — we’re creating a culture where people feel empowered to make a difference, supported to be brilliant with a can do will do attitude, and trusted to do the right thing.

• Competitive Time Off – Generous annual leave plus bank holidays to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
• Work From Anywhere – Up to 6 weeks per year to work remotely from anywhere in the world.
• Learning & Development – Tailored training and support to grow your skills and achieve your professional goals.
• Hybrid Working – To support your work-life balance, we offer a hybrid working model with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
• Private Medical Care with Vitality – Comprehensive healthcare coverage to keep you healthy.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme – Helping you plan and save for a secure future.
• Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Pay – Supporting you and your family during important life moments.
• Discretionary Company Bonus – Rewarding your contribution to our shared success.