HR Assistant Manager

About the Organisation

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited is the UK arm of Zenith Bank PLC, a highly profitable Nigerian bank known for strong performance, resilience, innovation, and a leading market position. The wider group has earned numerous awards, including recognition in 2023 as the only Nigerian brand among the World Finance Magazine’s top 100 companies.

The UK business was established to support trade and investment between Nigeria and Europe by delivering intermediary banking services and facilities for trade-related working capital and capital expenditure.

The bank places strong emphasis on building a capable workforce and supports ongoing learning for its staff. It promotes employee wellbeing, encourages a healthy work-life balance, and aims to create an environment that supports both personal growth and long-term career development. With new services being introduced in the UK and deep expertise in Africa-related business, the bank’s five-year plan is focused on controlled growth and becoming the preferred banking partner for organisations doing business across the African continent.

Role Summary

This position calls for an experienced HR professional who has worked across the full employee journey in a regulated financial services setting. The successful candidate will bring strong capability in employee relations, HR operations, and compliance, along with a solid command of UK employment law and internal governance requirements. The role requires someone who can balance strategic priorities with day-to-day delivery, providing accurate, compliant, people-focused HR support. The postholder should be confident advising senior stakeholders, handling complex cases with discretion, supporting payroll and benefits administration, contributing to policy work, and improving HR systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer practical, accurate guidance to managers on HR issues, ensuring advice aligns with employment law and current best practice.
• Take ownership of employee relations matters, including initial investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and informal case resolution.
• Monitor payroll activity and sign-offs to help maintain accuracy, compliance, and on-time submission across all sites.
• Run the yearly Fitness and Propriety certification process for SMFs and certified employees.
• Supervise and develop the HR Assistant(s), making sure work is allocated effectively and professional growth is supported.
• Coordinate employee engagement and wellbeing activities, reviewing feedback to improve morale, inclusion, and retention.
• Work with managers to assess training needs and connect learning plans to performance goals.
• Update HR policies, procedures, and workflows so they remain compliant with GDPR and reflect current legislation.
• Consult legal advisers where needed on complex employment issues.
• Support and deliver HR projects that align with business priorities and continuous improvement objectives.
• Provide operational cover and support to other HR team members when required.

Skills and Experience

• Builds credibility quickly and develops trusted, respectful relationships at every level of the organisation.
• Uses sound judgement and clear communication to influence decisions and align HR activity with wider business goals.
• Acts with integrity and accountability while supporting both employees and senior leaders.
• Delivers results with a strong grounding in employment law and a commitment to ethical and professional standards.
• Brings energy and commitment to the success of the organisation and the HR function.
• Stays organised and proactive, able to prioritise, anticipate needs, and make balanced decisions under pressure.
• CIPD qualification at Level 5 or 7, or Associate/Chartered Membership.
• 4 to 5 years of experience at HR advisor or manager level.
• Comfortable working collaboratively and with a solutions-oriented mindset to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes and related approval controls.
• Excellent understanding of UK employment law, ACAS guidance, and HR best practice.
• Handles sensitive information with a high degree of confidentiality, integrity, and discretion.
• Strong Microsoft Office ability, especially Excel and Word, for reporting, analysis, and documentation.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of French and Dubai employment law and payroll regulations.
• Background in a financial institution or banking environment, including familiarity with SMCR and FCA expectations.
• Previous line management experience.

Contract Details

This is a temporary fixed-term contract for 6 months.

The role offers a salary of up to £60,000, depending on experience.