Head of People Ops (Maternity Cover) – Strategic SLT Lead in Edinburgh

Head of People Ops (Maternity Cover) – Strategic SLT Lead in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Temporary 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Dayshape

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the People Ops team and shape the People strategy for a dynamic organisation.
  • Company: Join Dayshape, a forward-thinking company with a focus on people and culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: 16-month maternity cover with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of the Senior Leadership Team and drive meaningful change in a diverse environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in People Ops and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Dayshape is seeking a strategic People Leader to head the People Ops team for a 16-month maternity cover contract, starting October 2026. You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, shaping the People strategy, attracting top talent, and embedding a high-performance culture across 170+ staff in the UK and US.

You’ll drive talent acquisition, onboarding, engagement, DEI, and compensation, while ensuring policy compliance and strong stakeholder collaboration.

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Head of People Ops (Maternity Cover) – Strategic SLT Lead in Edinburgh employer: Dayshape

At Dayshape, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, a commitment to employee development, and a supportive team environment, we empower our employees to thrive in their roles while contributing to our ambitious goals. Located in Edinburgh, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a balanced work-life experience in a dynamic SaaS scale-up environment.

Dayshape

Contact Details:

Dayshape Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of People Ops (Maternity Cover) – Strategic SLT Lead in Edinburgh

Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies

Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.

Network at HR Events and Workshops

Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!

Showcase Your Flexibility

In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Dayshape and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Ops (Maternity Cover) – Strategic SLT Lead in Edinburgh

Strategic Leadership
Talent Acquisition
Onboarding
Employee Engagement
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Compensation Management
Policy Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!

Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!

Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!

Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Dayshape. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dayshape

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at Dayshape, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.

Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools

Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Dayshape uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.

Your Motivation Matters

As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Dayshape.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Dayshape.