HR Director

Instant Impact; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job description

HR Director

Application Deadline: 23 February 2026

Department: Client Role

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London, UK

Description

We are currently representing a leading global Financial Services firm in the appointment of high-calibre professionals as part of a period of strategic growth and investment.

Our client operates at the intersection of corporate, fiduciary and regulatory services, partnering with private equity houses, investment managers and international financial institutions. Backed by long-term institutional investment and an established global brand, the firm is scaling its capabilities, technology and international footprint.

This is an opportunity to join a business that combines the agility of a growth platform with the credibility, client base and governance of a market leader.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Human Resources Director will play a critical role in shaping and delivering a high-performing, globally consistent People function during a period of significant international growth.

Operating as a senior partner to the executive leadership team, this role will balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution, supporting a fast-growing, private-equity-backed financial services organisation with a complex, multi-jurisdictional footprint.

As one of two senior HR Directors, the role will have responsibility for driving scalable people infrastructure, strengthening performance management, and ensuring robust governance across the UK and Europe, while supporting leaders through change, growth, and increasing organisational complexity.

This is a London or Dublin-based role with a strong international remit. Further details on the organisation, culture and role will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CPO to define and execute a global People strategy aligned to the organisation’s culture, reputation, and growth ambitions
• Lead HR operations across multiple jurisdictions and time zones, ensuring consistency, scalability, and compliance
• Provide expert guidance on UK and European employment law, advising leaders on regulatory, employee relations, and people risk matters
• Support the development of high-impact performance management systems, including frameworks for performance reviews, career progression, reward, and managing underperformance
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on organisational design, leadership development, succession planning, and change initiatives
• Contribute to the design and implementation of a new HRIS, including HR processes, policies, and data migration
• Support and oversee talent acquisition at scale, maintaining high standards across regions
• Shape and embed a values-led, inclusive culture, with a strong focus on engagement and DEI
• Coach leaders and managers, building capability, confidence, and healthy team environments
• Manage and contribute to significant annual HR budgets, ensuring commercial rigour and ROI

What is Necessary for Success

• 10+ years’ experience in HR roles within fast-paced, entrepreneurial services environments, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven experience operating in high-growth professional services, financial services, or technology-led organisations
• Strong, hands‑on experience managing HR operations across multiple countries, with deep knowledge of UK and European employment law
• Experience leading or contributing to HR systems implementation and data migration (e.g. SuccessFactors, BambooHR, or similar platforms)
• Demonstrated ability to operate with commercial acumen, including building and presenting business cases to executive and board‑level stakeholders
• Experience supporting talent acquisition and workforce scaling in complex, multi‑region environments
• Comfortable working in ambiguous, evolving environments, with the ability to move fluidly between strategy and execution
• Strong advisory presence, able to build trusted relationships quickly with senior leaders and stakeholders
• A personal drive for high standards, continuous improvement, and impact, coupled with sound judgement and pragmatism