HR Director

Catalyst Partners (United Kingdom); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyst Partners in London seeks a Head of HR to lead the international HR function across London and overseas markets. You will steer the full employee lifecycle, partner with executives and ensure robust governance, data and systems transformation to support growth.

With regulated financial services experience, you will strengthen HR operations, lead a small team, manage payroll and rewards, and drive workforce planning and talent development while maintaining SMCR compliance.

Qualifications

• Senior HR leadership experience in regulated financial services.
• Experience with SMCR and remuneration requirements.
• Strong track record in HR systems transformation and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead international HR team and governance across London and international markets.
• Oversee payroll, pensions, benefits, onboarding/offboarding and records.
• Improve HR systems, data integrity and workforce reporting.

Skills

HR leadership

employee relations

workforce planning

talent development

compensation reviews

systems transformation

Tools

Payroll systems

HRIS

Job description

We are partnering with a Japanese-owned financial services business to appoint a hands-on Head of HR / HR Director to lead its international HR function.

Working closely with the management committee and business heads, you will oversee HR for approximately 250 permanent employees across London and international markets.

This is an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of HR while shaping a people strategy that supports the business’s longer-term ambitions. The immediate focus will be on improving operational delivery, systems, data and governance, developing the existing team and building trusted relationships across the organisation.

The role

You will lead the full employee lifecycle, combining strategic advice with practical delivery. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing the international HR team, clarifying responsibilities and establishing consistent service standards.
• Strengthening HR operations, including payroll, pensions, benefits, onboarding, offboarding and employee records.
• Improving HR systems, data integrity and workforce reporting, and developing a practical systems roadmap.
• Advising senior leaders on complex employee relations, organisational change and workforce planning.
• Overseeing recruitment, performance management, annual salary and bonus reviews, and benefits.
• Developing talent, succession planning and leadership capability.
• Supporting SMCR-related processes, regulatory references, fitness and propriety assessments and mandatory training in partnership with Compliance, Legal and Risk.
• Managing HR budgets, suppliers, audits and governance, providing clear reporting to executive management and relevant committees.
• Building consistent people practices internationally while recognising local requirements and cultural differences.

About you

You will be an experienced senior HR leader with a strong generalist background in regulated financial services. Commodities experience would be advantageous.

You will bring a track record of improving HR functions, strengthening operational processes and developing teams. Experience of HR systems transformation, payroll oversight, complex employee relations and reward is important, alongside familiarity with SMCR and remuneration requirements.

Commercial, approachable and pragmatic, you will be comfortable advising senior stakeholders while remaining closely involved in delivery. You will know how to establish priorities, build confidence in HR and turn longer-term objectives into practical improvements.

Working pattern:

Typically three days a week in the London office, with greater presence during the initial period.