Head of People - Financial Services

Page Personnel; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services organisation in Cardiff is seeking a Head of People to lead their people and culture agenda. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior leadership experience in HR, knowledge of employment laws, and a track record of implementing HR strategies. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working environment, and the chance to make a significant impact within the organisation.

Benefits

Competitive salary in the range of £65k - £85k

Professional development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Senior people leadership experience in a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Experience designing and implementing reward and performance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the people strategy and culture within the organisation.
• Ensure HR functions such as contracts, payroll, and compliance are established.
• Position the organisation as a progressive Welsh employer.

Skills

Senior people leadership experience

Proven track record of HR strategies

Strong knowledge of employment laws

Experience in leading diversity initiatives

Exceptional communication skills

Job description

Overview

Newly created Head of People position.

Exciting opportunity to lead the People and Culture agenda.

About Our Client: Newly created Financial Services organisation in Wales.

Job Description

As the Head of People you will lead the people strategy, culture and HR function. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role is responsible for ensuring the organisation attracts, develops and retains outstanding talent; that the Senior Managers & Certification Regime is embedded effectively; and that the company's culture reflects its public value mission and regulatory responsibilities. The primary focus for this role, will be on establishing core HR function processes - contracts, secondee management, payroll, and SMCR fit-and-proper checks. Over time, the emphasis will shift to workforce planning, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, reward and recognition, and positioning the organisation as a progressive Welsh employer of choice. This is both a strategic and hands‑on role. The Head of People will act as HR lead and culture ambassador, ensuring that professionalism, inclusion and continuous improvement are embedded across the organisation.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Head of People should have:

• Senior people leadership experience, ideally in a regulated financial services environment.
• A proven track record of developing and implementing HR strategies.
• Strong understanding of SMCR, conduct rules and FCA expectations on culture and governance.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Experience in leading diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Experience designing and implementing reward, benefits and performance frameworks.
• Background in organisational design, change management and leadership development.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills to engage with senior stakeholders.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary in the range of £65k - £85k (dependant on experience)
• A professional and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities to drive strategic initiatives within the financial services industry.
• Professional development and exposure to senior leadership and regulatory stakeholders.
• Hybrid, flexible working - Cardiff

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to make a significant impact. If you are passionate about shaping organisational culture and strategy, we encourage you to apply.