Senior Director People Operations in London

Senior Director People Operations in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
EcoOnline

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global People Operations, enhancing HR processes and employee experiences.
  • Company: Join a growing global tech company dedicated to protecting people and the planet.
  • Benefits: Generous paid time off, health coverage, and accelerated learning paths.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers everyone to thrive.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while driving positive change in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong expertise in core HR operations.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Want to be a part of a company that’s making a difference? We’re a growing global tech company, with huge potential for curious and caring minds, committed to each other, to deliver solutions that protect people and the planet for future generations. Our team of experts are focused on creating meaningful impact and making a real difference for our customers.

Impact: A strong connection to our mission through product, customer and impact is essential. We protect people and the planet by helping businesses mitigate risks and create safer, healthier workplaces.

Innovation: Trusted by over 11,000 customers, you’ll have the chance to work with industry experts and thought leaders, dedicated to driving positive change. We believe in fostering a trusting environment that empowers our team to grow, innovate, and succeed.

Growth: Connect commercial growth to personal growth opportunities. Benefit from a wide range of learning opportunities for ambitious professionals seeking development in a rapidly expanding sector. We're on a mission to protect people and the planet by building and deploying transformative software. We need everyone's energy and commitment, regardless of region or rank, to make that mission a reality for millions more customers. Our culture code, a set of principles that underpins our values, is our commitment to each other and working better together. Join EcoOnline and be part of a mission dedicated to driving positive change.

About the Role

As Senior Director – People Operations, you will lead the evolution of EcoOnline’s global People Operations function, ensuring we deliver efficient, scalable, compliant and employee‑centric services across the full employee lifecycle. Reporting to the CHRO, you will be responsible for strengthening our HR operating model, driving operational excellence, and using data, technology and automation to create better experiences for employees, managers and the wider business. This is a highly impactful leadership role for someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational delivery, building a trusted People Ops function that enables EcoOnline to grow and flourish.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the global People Operations function, ensuring smooth and effective delivery of core HR processes across the employee lifecycle.
  • Own and continuously improve HR operations, including payroll, HR administration, employee data, policies, processes, reporting and governance.
  • Ensure employment compliance and risk management across relevant regions, including HR policies, employment law, GDPR, right to work and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead and optimise EcoOnline’s HRIS, HiBob, using systems, automation and people analytics to improve efficiency and decision‑making.
  • Deliver accurate, timely and reliable workforce insights to support business planning and leadership decision‑making.
  • Drive continuous improvement across People Operations through technology, automation, process optimisation and scalable ways of working.
  • Lead by example to help develop a high performing, lean people operations team with a focus on capability, structure, engagement and performance.
  • Partner closely with the CHRO, People team and business leaders to ensure People Operations supports EcoOnline’s wider people and business strategy.
  • Champion a positive employee and manager experience through operational excellence and trusted HR service delivery.

What we're looking for

  • Proven experience operating successfully in a senior HR Operations or People Operations leadership role, ideally within a mid‑sized, global or multi‑region business.
  • Strong expertise across core HR operations, employee lifecycle processes, payroll, HR administration, governance and service delivery.
  • Solid understanding of employment compliance, HR policy, GDPR, right to work and operational risk management.
  • Experience owning or optimising HR systems, ideally HiBob, with the ability to use technology and automation to improve processes.
  • Confident working with people data, reporting and analytics to provide meaningful workforce insights.
  • Demonstrable track record of improving HR processes, increasing efficiency and embedding operational excellence.
  • Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing a small team.
  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution in a fast‑paced, growing environment.
  • Comfortable partnering with senior stakeholders and aligning People Operations activity to business priorities.
  • Curious, proactive and improvement‑focused, with an interest in how AI and emerging tools can enhance People Operations.

Our Benefits

  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Extended Parental Leave
  • Robust Health Coverage
  • Accelerated Learning Paths
  • Team Wellness Initiatives
  • Company‑wide Events
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • Recognition awards

EcoOnline is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to be themselves. Our Talent Acquisition team reviews all applications and believes in the potential of individuals who may not meet all the specific requirements but demonstrate the attitude, alignment with our values and drive to succeed. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need any assistance due to a disability, please speak to your talent acquisition partner.

Senior Director People Operations in London employer: EcoOnline

EcoOnline is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration while making a meaningful impact on people and the planet. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive learning opportunities and a supportive environment that empowers our team to thrive. Located in a dynamic global setting, our focus on operational excellence and employee-centric services ensures that every team member can contribute to our mission of creating safer workplaces for millions.

EcoOnline

Contact Details:

EcoOnline Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Director People Operations in London

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at EcoOnline!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at EcoOnline.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director People Operations in London

HR Operations Leadership
Employee Lifecycle Management
Payroll Management
HR Administration
Governance and Compliance
GDPR Knowledge
HRIS Optimisation (HiBob)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at EcoOnline. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to EcoOnline and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at EcoOnline. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to EcoOnline's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at EcoOnline

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with EcoOnline.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at EcoOnline will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact EcoOnline and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.