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