Head of HR

About the role

This senior HR position will lead the full people agenda for a growing financial services organisation in Leeds. Reporting to the Group HR Director, you will partner with senior leaders and the Board to shape culture, develop management capability and support business growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the overall HR function, delivering both strategic and operational objectives.
• Partner with senior leaders to align people strategy with business goals.
• Own the complete employee life‑cycle: talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, reward and development.
• Provide expert guidance on complex people matters and employment legislation.
• Drive leadership development, succession planning and management capability.
• Lead organisational change, transformation and restructuring initiatives.
• Oversee HR policies, processes and compliance to ensure best practice.
• Use HR data and insights to support decision‑making and business performance.
• Lead, develop and mentor the HR team and champion a high‑performance, people‑centric culture.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading an HR function within a complex organisation.
• Strong strategic and operational HR capability.
• CIPD qualified or equivalent.
• Excellent knowledge of employment law and employee relations.
• Experience coaching and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Successful delivery of HR projects and change initiatives.
• Strong commercial awareness and business partnering skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities.
• Experience in financial services or another regulated environment is advantageous.

Required skills