Overview
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of HR to lead the people strategy for a London-based banking business. This role will partner closely with senior leadership to drive organisational performance, support revenue-generating teams, and ensure alignment with regulatory and governance requirements.
The successful candidate will bring deep experience within banking or financial services, with a strong understanding of front-office environments and regulatory frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
- Define and deliver the HR strategy aligned to business objectives and growth plans
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Executive Committee
- Lead workforce planning, organisational design, and change initiatives
Business Partnering (Front Office Focus)
- Partner with senior stakeholders across front-office functions (e.g. Markets, Investment Banking, Sales & Trading)
- Support leadership capability, team effectiveness, and revenue performance
- Drive a high-performance culture within a highly competitive environment
Compensation & Reward
- Oversee compensation structures including base, bonus, and deferred compensation
- Ensure alignment with market benchmarks and internal equity
- Partner with Finance and Risk on remuneration governance
Regulatory & Governance
- Ensure compliance with UK employment law and banking regulations
- Oversee frameworks such as SMCR (Senior Managers & Certification Regime)
- Manage regulatory reporting and audit requirements relating to HR
Talent Management & Development
- Lead talent acquisition strategy for key revenue-generating and corporate roles
- Drive succession planning and leadership development programmes
- Oversee performance management frameworks and calibration processes
Employee Relations
- Provide expert guidance on complex and high-risk employee relations matters
- Manage senior-level exits, restructures, and disciplinary processes
- Mitigate legal and reputational risk
Culture, Engagement & DEI
- Shape and embed organisational culture aligned to business values
- Lead employee engagement initiatives and action planning
- Drive diversity, equity & inclusion strategies
HR Operations & Transformation
- Oversee HR systems, data, and reporting (HRIS)
- Lead process improvement and HR transformation initiatives
- Manage HR budget and external vendors
Key Requirements
- Proven HR leadership experience within Banking or Financial Services
- Deep expertise in compensation & reward structures
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and FCA regulation (incl. SMCR)
- Experience operating at Executive / Board level
- Track record of delivering in a high-performance, regulated environment