Head of People & Culture

We are supporting a well-established mid-sized financial services organisation in the search for a Head of People & Culture. This is a leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the people strategy, partnering closely with the executive team, and building a high-performing, compliant and future-ready HR function.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a strategic people advisor to the executive committee and senior leaders on organisational design, workforce planning and leadership matters

• Develop and execute a people and culture strategy aligned to business and growth objectives

• Lead the transformation of HR from a reactive support function to a proactive, value-adding business partner

HR Governance, Policy & Compliance

• Design, implement and continuously improve HR policies, frameworks, systems and procedures in line with local labour law and regulatory standards

• Ensure robust HR governance, risk management and compliance across the organisation

• Prepare and present people-related insights, policies and recommendations to senior leadership

Workforce Planning & Talent

• Lead workforce and manpower planning in partnership with business leaders

• Oversee recruitment, selection and onboarding processes across all levels

• Review and formalise job structures, role design and career pathways

• Build strong succession planning and talent development frameworks

Reward, Compensation & Benefits

• Design and manage competitive and cost-effective compensation, incentive and benefits structures

• Conduct market benchmarking within financial services to ensure competitiveness

• Oversee job evaluation, grading and reward frameworks across the organisation

Learning, Development & Leadership

• Lead learning and development strategy, including leadership development and executive coaching

• Identify capability gaps and design targeted development programmes

• Oversee induction, training delivery and programme evaluation

Performance & Culture

• Design and oversee performance management frameworks, KPIs and appraisal processes

• Support leaders in driving accountability, engagement and high performance

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-trust workplace culture

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, grievances and conflict resolution

• Lead employee engagement initiatives and communication strategies

• Ensure fair, consistent and equitable treatment across the organisation

HR Operations & Systems

• Oversee HR operations including payroll, benefits administration and employee lifecycle management

• Lead and develop the HR team, providing coaching and direction

• Review and enhance HR systems and HRMS capabilities to support data-driven decision making

Experience & Background

• Significant senior HR leadership experience within financial services or regulated environments

• Proven experience partnering with executive leadership on strategic people matters

• Strong understanding of labour law, compensation practices and HR governance

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (any discipline)

• Master's or MBA in Human Resources or related field preferred

• Professional HR certification (CIPD, SHRM, SPHR, PHR or similar) highly desirable