Senior People Business Partner

Axis; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global specialty insurance provider is looking for an experienced Senior People Business Partner to shape and execute their people strategy across London and European offices. The role involves strategic partnership and hands-on delivery, covering HR matters such as employee relations and performance management. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in financial services, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and excellent stakeholder management skills. This role offers a hybrid working model with occasional travel to European offices.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior HRBP or People Partner in financial services or insurance.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and European HR practices.
• Experience managing complex employee relations cases.
• Familiarity with compensation frameworks and year‑end processes.
• Exposure to regulatory environments (e.g., FCA, SMCR) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across London and European offices.
• Lead and support employee relations cases for fair outcomes.
• Drive annual performance management and compensation planning.
• Partner on organisational design and talent development.
• Ensure compliance with UK and European employment regulations.

Skills

Strategic mindset with hands‑on delivery capability

Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills

Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities

High integrity, discretion, and sound judgment

Resilience and adaptability in a fast‑paced, evolving environment

Job description

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital – a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance. We stand apart for our outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture. As a member of AXIS, you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS, we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, civil union status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in the selection process.

Senior People Business Partner

Role Summary

As a Senior People Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the people strategy across our specialty insurance business. This role blends strategic partnership with hands‑on delivery, supporting leaders across London and European offices. You’ll advise on a wide range of HR matters including employee relations, performance management, compensation planning, and regulatory compliance, ensuring alignment with both business goals and local employment legislation. The role holder may also be required to present people‑related updates and insights to Subsidiary Boards.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across London and European offices.
• Lead and support employee relations cases, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.
• Drive the annual performance management and compensation planning cycles.
• Partner with leaders on organisational design, workforce planning, and talent development.
• Ensure compliance with UK and European employment regulations, including SMCR.
• Support change initiatives including restructures, M&A, and cultural transformation.
• Collaborate with COEs (e.g., Talent, Reward, DEI) to deliver integrated people solutions.
• Use data and insights to inform decision‑making and measure impact.
• Coach managers on leadership, engagement, and team effectiveness.
• Prepare and deliver people‑related updates to Subsidiary Boards as required.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior HRBP or People Partner in financial services or insurance.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and European HR practices.
• Experience managing complex employee relations cases.
• Familiarity with compensation frameworks and year‑end processes.
• Exposure to regulatory environments (e.g., FCA, SMCR) is highly desirable.
• Comfortable working across multiple geographies and time zones.
• Experience presenting to senior stakeholders, including Boards or Committees, is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic mindset with hands‑on delivery capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• High integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

Work Style

• Hybrid working model (typically 3 days/week in London office).
• Occasional travel to European offices may be required.