HR Manager - 12 month mat cover

Oakleaf Partnership; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading asset manager based in London seeks an HR Manager for a 12-month maternity cover. The role involves overseeing HR operations, providing support to leadership, and ensuring key HR initiatives are effectively executed. The position calls for strong employee relations skills and experience in financial services, making it a great opportunity for a proactive HR professional.

Qualifications

• Experience as HR Manager in investment management or financial services.
• Strong employee relations experience essential.
• Ability to translate strategy into tactical execution.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chief People Officer in delivering HR priorities.
• Oversee day-to-day HR operations including payroll and recruitment.
• Manage employee relations matters with care.

Skills

Employee relations

Communication

Strategic thinking

Emotional intelligence

Proactive mindset

Education

CIPD Level 5

Job description

HR Manager (12-Month FTC - Maternity Cover - Start Date Mid-August 2025)

A distinctive, purpose-led asset manager based in the heart of the City is seeking a confident and capable HR Manager to join on a 12-month maternity cover contract, reporting directly to the Chief People Officer. This is a great opportunity to help guide a well-established and values-driven investment firm - translating strategic people initiatives into smooth, effective execution, all with the support of a highly capable and collaborative HR team.

With business-as-usual currently in a steady rhythm, you'll have the space to immerse yourself in the organisation, build strong relationships across the business, and make a meaningful contribution from day one. Your focus will be on bridging strategy and operations: ensuring key initiatives are delivered thoughtfully, day-to-day HR processes run efficiently, and managers receive the insight and support they need.

You'll play a visible and trusted role across the organisation - acting as a key point of contact for leaders and line managers, and providing thoughtful oversight and guidance across the HR function.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Act as right-hand support to the Chief People Officer, helping to deliver strategic HR priorities
2. Provide oversight of day-to-day HR operations - supporting the team across payroll, recruitment, onboarding, systems, and compliance
3. Own employee relations matters, handling complex or sensitive issues with care and confidence
4. Be the first point of contact for people managers and department heads, offering guidance on HR matters including performance, conduct, and policy
5. Support the annual performance and compensation cycle - reviews begin in February, with comp running March to May
6. Deliver insights to ExCo on people trends, SMCR matters, and HR metrics
7. Help embed and improve the new HR system (implemented last year) and contribute to ongoing process enhancements
8. Work closely with a stable and collaborative HR team (5 total) and ensure a consistent, high-quality service across the function

What You'll Bring:

1. Proven experience operating at HR Manager level, ideally within investment management, asset management, or broader financial services
2. Strong employee relations experience - essential for success in this role
3. Ability to translate strategy into tactical execution
4. Familiarity with regulated environments, SMCR, and working with senior leadership
5. High emotional intelligence and communication skills - able to engage at every level of the organisation
6. A proactive mindset - you're comfortable stepping into the unknown, identifying gaps, and keeping things moving
7. Ideally CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent experience)