Head of People Operations

Role Overview

• Develop and deliver the People Operations strategy, ensuring it supports business objectives, growth and employee experience across the UK and US.
• Set the priorities, operating model and service standards for the People Operations function.
• Own the HRIS (Rippling) and key People systems across the UK and US, acting as the subject matter expert.
• Continuously improve user experience and adoption of HR systems by automating processes, simplifying workflows, integrating systems, increasing self-service, and using AI where it adds value.
• Manage relationships with system vendors and implementation partners, including contracts, service levels and budgets, ensuring value for money.
• Own end-to-end payroll accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across UK and US, including third-party payroll providers/vendors and annual tax documents.
• Oversee benefits administration including assessing plan design, managing broker/vendor relationships and renewals for both UK and US plans.
• Coordinate employee communications and education around benefits.
• Partner with Finance to administer variable compensation plans.
• Lead, develop and inspire a team of three People Operations Generalists supporting employees across the UK and US.
• Build a high-performing team through clear objectives, coaching, feedback and development.
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the team has the skills and resources to meet changing business needs and deliver an excellent employee experience.
• Ensure accurate, well-governed People data across HR systems through effective controls and audit processes.
• Ensure compliance with UK and US employment legislation, GDPR and US data privacy, and internal governance requirements.
• Provide people analytics and reporting that support business decisions and workforce planning.
• Develop reporting standards and dashboards that provide timely, accurate insights for business leaders.
• Lead health and safety across the UK and US, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and a safe working environment.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading a People Operations function and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience supporting employees and leaders across both the UK and US, with the ability to work effectively across teams and time zones.
• Strong experience owning and managing HR systems, including HRIS implementations, automation, and continuous process improvement.
• Strong knowledge of UK and US employment law, regulatory requirements, data governance, and payroll controls.
• Experience using automation and AI to simplify processes, improve efficiency, and reduce manual work.
• Strong people data and reporting capability, with experience identifying and communicating trends across areas such as attrition, absence, performance, and engagement.
• Experience designing, reviewing, or managing employee benefits and reward programmes using relevant market data.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, practical guidance.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong project management, strategic thinking, and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands.
• High levels of adaptability, flexibility, resilience, and attention to detail.
• CIPD or SHRM accreditation is required.
• Experience working with Rippling is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, in addition to public holidays, providing you ample time to recharge and spend quality moments with your loved ones.
• Professional Development: Benefit from our yearly professional training programmes, tailored to your career aspirations and designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Financial Security: Secure your financial future with our pension contributions and annual company share option awards, giving you a stake in the success of the company.
• Health and Well-being: Prioritize your health and well-being with our comprehensive AXA Health Insurance and access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). The EAP offers 24/7 telephone mental health support and access to GP consultations, ensuring your mental and physical health are taken care of.
• Life Assurance: Gain peace of mind knowing that you're covered with life assurance, providing up to four times your annual salary to your loved ones in the unfortunate event of your passing.
• Flexible Working: Embrace the flexibility of remote working, allowing you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs and maximizes your productivity.
• Lifestyle Benefits: Participate in the Cycle to Work Scheme, promoting a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle, and take advantage of our Incapacity Income Protection to safeguard your financial stability in case of unforeseen circumstances.