Vice President, Human Resources

Vice President, Human Resources

Castle Oak Securities, L.P. ("Castle Oak") is a premier boutique investment bank focused on providing capital markets services to a broad array of corporate, governmental and institutional clients. Headquartered in New York City, the firm specializes in primary and secondary sales and trading of fixed income, equity, and money market securities, as well as financial advisory (including M&A and private placements).

Since its founding in 2006, Castle Oak has assisted its clients on public offerings totaling over $4 trillion. Castle Oak's professionals average 20 years of successful Wall Street experience and ongoing working relationships with some of the largest global corporations.

• Hybrid workplace: work from home 2 days per week!
• Health insurance: competitive medical, dental, and vision programs
• Commuter benefits
• 401(k) with a company match
• Charitable contribution match program for employees
• Company‑paid life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Paid time off: vacation, personal days, sick leave, etc.
• Intentional culture celebrations and social outings

The Vice President, Human Resources will oversee the firm’s entire range of HR programs, collaborating with senior leadership to develop, implement, and execute people strategies that support business objectives. The role is responsible for continuous improvement of HR functions, including recruiting, open enrollment, employee relations, learning & development, performance review, summer intern program, and culture initiatives. Reporting to the Chief of Staff to the CEO, the VP will pivot seamlessly between strategic and tactical activities to ensure compliance, confidentiality, and high standards in a start‑up‑style environment.

• Partner with hiring managers to recruit and hire new employees, from development of job descriptions through onboarding.
• Liaise with the firm’s PEO (ADP Total Source) to resolve all employee questions and concerns.
• Manage all aspects of the annual open enrollment process for benefits.
• Regularly communicate HR information to all stakeholders.
• Manage the firm’s annual and mid‑year performance review processes.
• Address and document performance issues.
• Resolve and investigate employee concerns.
• Own and manage the firm’s summer internship program, including posting for the role, recruiting, onboarding, running the day‑to‑day program, and partnering with external clients to provide cross‑training opportunities.
• Create learning & development opportunities for all employees across the firm, especially for those in the two‑year analyst programs (Capital Markets, Sales & Trading, and Financial Advisory).
• Proactively foster a positive culture through programming, recognition, and communication, collaborating with partners across the firm to develop and execute meaningful touchpoints while looking for ways to achieve high ROI without significant spend.
• Develop tools and communication materials that increase employee engagement.
• Proactively keep tabs on current trends within HR across the financial services industry, including Return to Office policies, D&I changes, compensation bands, and other programs.
• Maintain the employee handbook and HR related policies, including annual review and attestation.
• In conjunction with the firm’s PEO, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• In conjunction with the firm’s PEO, maintain HR files and complete periodic requirements (ACA reporting, annual poster refresh, etc.).
• Engage with vendors that support the firm’s HR functions.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5‑10 years of progressive experience in HR within a financial services company, including exposure to recruiting, benefits, analyst programs, or HRBP work.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to multitask and ruthlessly prioritize.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic.
• Resourceful and proactive, with the ability to complete a high volume of tasks and projects independently.
• Knowledge of HR best practices and federal, state, and local laws.
• Experience managing…