Senior HR Manager

Ashley Kate HR; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the insurance sector is seeking a Senior HR Manager to drive the people strategy in a collaborative environment. The role involves leading a small HR team and working closely with senior leaders to support cultural initiatives and core HR operations. Candidates should have strong experience in financial services, a strategic mindset, and an understanding of employee lifecycle processes. This position offers a competitive salary and a discretionary bonus in a people-first culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Discretionary bonus up to 20%

Supportive, people-first culture

Broad scope of work with senior leadership

Qualifications

• Credible HR professional with generalist experience in financial services.
• Experience leading a small HR function or operating at senior HRBP/Head of level.
• Collaborative and pragmatic working style.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the HR team.
• Manage core HR operations including recruitment and performance.
• Oversee complex employee relations and guide managers.

Skills

Understanding of SMCR

Leading HR functions

Employee lifecycle knowledge

Managing change

Employment law expertise

Education

CIPD qualification (Chartered)

Job description

• Job Reference: JN -062025-62966_1752241580

Senior HR Manager | City of London (Hybrid working) | up to £100,000 | Insurance Sector

We're looking for an experienced and people-focused Senior HR Manager to join a well-respected organisation based in the City on a retained basis. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys shaping the full people agenda from strategy to day-to-day delivery.

A bit about the business

With a headcount of around 90, the organisation operates in the financial services sector, specifically insurance with a strong purpose-led culture and a genuine focus on employee wellbeing, development, and inclusion.

It's a close-knit business, known for encouraging open dialogue and cross-functional working. People tend to join for the breadth of role, exposure to senior decision-making, and the chance to be part of a values-led organisation where people really do come first.

Reporting into the COO, you'll lead the small HR team and work closely with senior leaders, including the CEO, to shape and deliver the People Strategy. This is a hands-on and strategic role where you'll be expected to provide expert HR advice, support cultural initiatives, and drive continuous improvement in how people are managed and supported across the business.

Key areas of focus include:

• Leading, coaching, and developing the HR team
• Partnering with senior leaders to deliver the People Strategy
• Managing all core HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, performance, reward, and L&D
• Supporting engagement and wellbeing activity across the business
• Overseeing complex employee relations matters and providing guidance to managers
• Supporting organisational development, talent planning, and succession
• Leading cyclical HR processes including the annual pay and bonus review
• Driving people-related projects as needed

What we're looking for

You'll be a credible and well-rounded HR professional with strong generalist experience, gained in financial services. Insurance experience would be a bonus, but it's not essential.

We're looking for someone who can build trusted relationships at all levels, offer sound judgement, and bring a balance of strategic thinking and practical delivery.

You should also bring:

• Strong understanding of SMCR
• Experience leading a small HR function or operating at senior HRBP/Head of level
• Knowledge across the full employee lifecycle
• Confidence working with senior leaders and managing change
• Good understanding of employment law and best practice
• A collaborative, down-to-earth style; someone who is approachable, pragmatic and organised

CIPD qualification (ideally at Chartered) is desirable, but equivalent experience will be considered.

What's on offer

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Discretionary bonus up to 20%
• Supportive, people-first culture
• Broad scope of work and close partnership with the senior leadership team

If you're looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact and help shape how people experience work, this could be a great fit.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.