Catalyst Partners

Transforming the HR recruitment experience.

Who are we and what do we do?

We’re global change-makers, specialising in transforming People and Talent functions by hiring top-tier HR talent. With the HR landscape having gone through immense change, particularly since the pandemic, it was clear the HR recruitment industry needed a disruptor. Catalyst was created to be that change.

We have built our global business across three core verticals; People & Talent, Reward & People Analytics, and HR Infrastructure. Our specialist knowledge and client base spans Banking and Financial Services, Professional Services, Private Equity and Investor-backed businesses, and Commerce and Industry. We're well positioned to support an HR professional at every step of their career, at every level of seniority, right up to the boardroom.

Each Catalyst expert is dedicated to transforming the HR recruitment experience, so no matter what the job requirements, we can build incredible teams.

Our diverse team has a common goal: to individually, therefore collectively, be the best. Operating at pace without compromise, consistently doing the basics brilliantly, and creating fans not customers, we take our work, but not ourselves, seriously.

Our jobs

Associate Director, Reward & Analytics
Catalyst Partners · London · Hybrid
Associate Director, People & Talent
Catalyst Partners · London · Hybrid
Experienced Recruitment Consultant - Reward
Catalyst Partners · London

All jobs

What it's like being part of the Catalyst team:

When I joined Catalyst back in 2021, I’d already established myself as an expert HR recruiter, but I was experiencing career and learning stagnation. Being part of Catalyst allowed me to learn far deeper industry and market knowledge from my peers in our sister brands who were a fountain of knowledge with excellent and deep-rooted relationships in the markets I wanted to recruit for. The broader Kernel Group is very collaborative and generous, so I was able to leverage their relationships and credentials to do the kind of work I want to do here. Catalyst is unlike anywhere I’ve worked before in that I am delivering higher quality work with more successful outcomes alongside a team of likeminded colleagues. I have two young children in school, and here I have total acceptance about my commitments to them, so it has never held me back because career development at Catalyst is entirely meritocratic which is very motivating; we have a very high-performance yet kind culture.

Victoria Johnston
Director

What you'll get at Catalyst

Supporting your journey, every step of the way.

High-achievers lunch clubs, incentive trips and plenty of socials

We believe hard work should be recognised and rewarded. From our high-achievers lunch clubs and unforgettable incentive trips to regular socials and spontaneous celebrations, we make sure our people feel valued. At Kernel, success isn’t just measured, it’s shared.
International mobility

We know that careers, and lives, can span borders. Being a global business means we can support you in exploring opportunities across Kernel locations. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
Culture calendar

We're sure there is something for everyone at Catalyst Partners. There's plenty to get involved with from sports day, The Great Kernel Bake Off, to netball, run clubs and regular team socials.
Long term incentive plan

We’re invested in your future. Our long-term incentive plan rewards impact and commitment, giving you the opportunity to share in Catalyst's success over time. It’s our way of recognising the value you bring and building something of value together.
Time off that truly counts

We know our team work hard and we promote rest and balance with generous annual leave, duvet days, holiday rollover, a half-day off on your birthday and a Christmas office closure, ensuring everyone gets the time off they need to recharge and thrive.
Private health insurance, wellness & mental health resources

We prioritise our teams health and wellbeing which is why we provide healthcare benefits, mental health support, wellness discounts and much much more.
Monthly, quarterly & annual competitions

Our team have spun wheels for cash prizes, collected raffle tickets for flights to anywhere in the world, we always have something running to make succeeding in our business fun!
Sabbaticals for long-standing service

The Kernel team have used sabbaticals as an opportunity for travel, volunteering, or simply recharging. We know sabbaticals can lead to renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and long-term wellbeing.
Bespoke training & development

We have an exceptional performance and development offering, providing formalised training programmes, mentorship schemes and continuous professional development all designed to ensure you are well equipped to excel in your role as a specialist recruiter.
Internal referral programme

We believe great people know great people. At Kernel, we actively reward employee referrals through our internal incentive programme. When our team helps us grow with brilliant new hires, everyone wins.
Work from anywhere allowance

Everyone has a number of days to work from home or wherever they'd like. Whether it’s a change of scenery or time closer to loved ones, we trust you to choose the environment that helps you do your best work.
Progression

Whether you're just starting out or stepping into leadership, we’re committed to helping you grow. At Catalyst Partners, career progression is clear, supported, and tailored to your goals with opportunities to expand your expertise, take on new challenges, and shape your future at every stage.