The opportunity

We have an opportunity for a HR Business Partner to join us on the exciting and rewarding path we are taking here at Castle Trust Bank. We pride ourselves in being a fintech challenger bank, providing specialist property mortgages, retail finance lending and savings accounts to a variety of customers.

Joining our HR team and reporting to our Head of HR, you will play a pivotal role in aligning the projects/initiatives in our HR Delivery Plan with business objectives to drive company growth and employee satisfaction. This role will suit a HR generalist that supports and drives a HR service that is customer focused, and drives improved organisational performance. Key things you will take ownership and accountability for will include:

Strategic HR Leadership: perform workforce analysis to guide decisions and lead initiatives in organisational design, planning, and talent management.

Employee Relations and Engagement: offer guidance on HR matters such as conflict resolution and disciplinary issues. Develop initiatives to improve employee engagement, recognition, health, wellbeing, and retention. Conduct employee engagement surveys and act on feedback to enhance workplace culture.

Performance Management: set performance expectations, coach managers on feedback, and use continuous feedback tools like check-ins and 360-degree reviews. Create improvement plans for underperforming staff and analyse performance data for talent strategies.

Generalist HR Operations: ensure compliance with employment laws, standardise HR policies, and oversee HR administration including payroll, benefits, and data management.

HR Data and Reporting: collect and report on HR metrics, maintain HR dashboards, and ensure data accuracy. Use data insights to identify improvement areas and develop organisational strategies.

Employee Wellbeing: promote health and wellbeing through wellness programs, mental health resources, and flexible working. Collaborate with partners for comprehensive support and monitor the effectiveness of these programmes.

You will also be responsible for the line management of a HR Administrator, providing direction, coaching and development opportunities.

The role will be on a hybrid working arrangement, 3 days a week from our Basingstoke office and the rest of the week from home.

What we are looking for in you…

What is important to us is that you have proven experience working in a senior, operational HR role partnering with varying levels of management and different business functions. If you have worked in financial services previously, this would be highly advantageous. You will be an adept HR professional with a track record of hands-on execution (from concept to delivery) with the ability to balance between safeguarding the organisation whilst executing and making independent decisions through assessing information and risk appetite. You will have experience and be confident in working with and analysing data to present insights and driving change within an organisation, therefore it is important that you have strong Excel skills and capability. It is highly desirable that you have previous experience as a line manager considering that aspect of the role.

What is also important is that you possess strategic HR and leadership skills to drive people processes and influence stakeholders, with experience in project delivery and strong project management skills. You will also have excellent communication and relationship-building skills to lead initiatives through diverse teams. We are looking for someone enthusiastic about sharing knowledge, coaching, mentoring, and committed to customer service and professionalism. The ability to read and interpret complex material, such as legislation and FCA regulations, and integrate them into HR practices is also essential. A Level 7 CIPD qualification (or equivalent) is required for this role.

What’s in it for you…

As well as a competitive salary, we offer an annual performance related bonus (up to 10% of base salary) based on individual and company performance. In addition, a generous contributory pension scheme through Hargreaves Lansdown, life assurance, 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top) with the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days (terms apply). In addition, you will receive an extra day paid annual leave for Volunteering.

Wellbeing is also high on our agenda, and we offer healthcare benefits through Equipsme. In addition, all colleagues have free access to TELUS Health EAP to support their health and wellbeing. We also offer free eye test vouchers and discounted gym membership, and if that’s not enough, we also offer season ticket travel loans (if applicable).

Check out our careers page: https://www.castletrust.co.uk/careers/who-we-are