At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop an HR team while shaping the long-term people strategy.
- Company: Respected Financial Services business focused on people development.
- Benefits: Career progression to Group Head of HR, competitive salary, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and employee experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while preparing for a future leadership role.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or above and proven HR leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
- Head of HR / HR Lead
- Financial Services | Hybrid
- Operational leadership with future succession to Group Head of HR
Are you a commercially minded HR leader who thrives in a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment while shaping the long‑term people strategy?
This role offers the best of both — operational ownership of the HR function today, with a clear development pathway into a future Group Head of HR position.
About The Role
For the first two years, you’ll take full operational ownership of the HR function — leading the team, strengthening processes, and ensuring the business receives a high-quality, commercially focused service.
You’ll be the go‑to expert for managers and leaders, providing clarity, confidence and practical solutions.
As the organisation continues to grow, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future Group HR model.
With strong performance and impact, this role is designed to evolve into a Group-level leadership position, offering genuine long‑term progression.
A typical week could involve reviewing ER trends with managers, coaching your team through complex cases, designing a development programme, or supporting a restructure.
You’ll balance operational delivery with forward‑thinking improvements that elevate the employee experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop a team of HR professionals, ensuring high performance, accountability and continuous growth.
- Own the delivery of the full generalist HR remit — recruitment, performance, policy, legislation, and day‑to‑day people support.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, contributing to strategic discussions and supporting the delivery of business objectives.
- Provide confident, timely guidance on employee relations matters, ensuring issues are resolved fairly, consistently and efficiently.
- Strengthen leadership and management capability through coaching, guidance and targeted development interventions.
- Design and deliver training sessions that build core skills and support a culture of learning.
- Lead and support organisational change, including restructures, consultation processes and team‑level change activity.
- Drive HR projects that enhance processes, improve efficiency and elevate the employee experience.
- Monitor team performance, productivity and service quality, ensuring HR delivers in a professional and cost‑effective way.
- Hold regular 1:1s, oversee annual performance reviews and support ongoing development conversations.
- Stay up to date with employment legislation and industry best practice, ensuring compliance and proactive risk management.
- Role-model company values in all interactions and decision‑making.
- Travel to other offices when required.
- What You’ll Bring
- CIPD Level 5 or above (Level 7 desirable).
- Proven experience leading and developing an HR team.
- Strong generalist background with depth in ER, performance management and development planning.
- Experience in a fast-paced, customer-focused, high-volume environment — Financial Services experience is desirable.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to balance people and business needs.
- Solid understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- A blend of strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery.
- Ambition to progress into a future Group-level HR leadership role.
Why join?
You’ll be joining a respected Financial Services business that genuinely invests in people development, leadership capability and continuous improvement.
This is a role with visibility, influence and the scope to shape how HR supports the organisation today — while building towards a future Group Head of HR position
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Head of HR in Leeds employer: The Talent World
Join a dynamic Financial Services organisation that prioritises employee development and leadership growth. As the Head of HR, you'll enjoy a hybrid work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration, while having a clear pathway to advance into a Group-level leadership role. With a strong commitment to enhancing the employee experience and a culture that values strategic thinking alongside operational excellence, this is an exceptional opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their career.
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 The Talent World!
✨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 The Talent World.
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 The Talent World. 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 The Talent World 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 The Talent World. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Talent World'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 The Talent World
✨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 The Talent World.
✨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 The Talent World 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 The Talent World and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
