People Director, United States, Boston, MA or New York, NY (US)

We are representing a leading international specialty financial services organization with a strong reputation, distinctive culture, and established presence across global markets. The company is entering an important phase of growth, with the US positioned as a key engine within its broader strategy and ambitions to significantly expand the business. With a global operating model and strong specialist People infrastructure already in place, the organization offers an environment where HR can focus on high-value strategic partnership, leadership effectiveness, organizational development, and enabling commercial growth.

This is the senior-most People leadership role for the US, reporting to the Chief People Officer. The role will lead the US People agenda, with a focus on strategic business partnership, leadership and team effectiveness, organizational development, talent, and culture. The position leads a small team. The role offers direct partnership with the US CEO, a seat on both the US Leadership Team and global People Leadership Team, and meaningful autonomy to influence leadership effectiveness, talent, culture, and organizational performance. Operating within a global matrix and supported by established specialist CoEs, this is a strategic business partnering role. It will bring the confidence to coach and challenge constructively while helping enable an ambitious growth agenda. Based in Boston or New York, the position offers significant executive and senior stakeholder exposure on a global basis.

The individual we are seeking is a sophisticated HR business partner with a proven track record operating alongside senior executives in matrixed organizations. He or she will bring commercial acumen, executive presence, and the confidence to coach, challenge, and influence senior leaders and stakeholders while navigating organizational and team dynamics. Experience across talent, leadership development and/or organizational effectiveness would be particularly valuable, alongside exposure to an international or global environment. Executive coaching skills are a "must have". Industry background is flexible, with financial or professional services experience advantageous. The successful individual will be credible, curious, independent in judgment, and comfortable balancing global priorities with the needs of a growing US business.

With strong specialist People infrastructure already in place, this is an attractive platform for a commercially minded HR leader to focus on high-value strategic partnership while gaining broader global exposure and contributing to an ambitious growth agenda.

This challenging role requires stakeholder management, independent judgment, and executive coaching skills. The US business is adapting to a more globally integrated operating model, making this position best suited to a leader who can build bridges, influence without direct authority, and operate comfortably through change. Regular travel and meaningful in-person engagement with leadership are important elements of the role.