At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate People Operations in a fast-growing biotech scale-up.
- Company: Join a mission-driven biotech company transforming medicine discovery with advanced tech.
- Benefits: Up to £140k salary, bonuses, options, and hybrid work model.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of People Operations and make a real impact on culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in scaling organisations and expertise in People systems.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to build the People Operations function inside one of the most ambitious biotech scale ups in Europe. My client is a fast growing, highly mission led organisation using advanced machine learning to transform how new medicines are discovered. Exceptional science brings both ambition and pace, and with that a deep intentionality around the culture they are building.
As a result, they are hiring a Head of People Operations to design, own and evolve the operational backbone of the People function.
The role
This is a pivotal hire. You will be the person who builds the systems, processes and data infrastructure that enable the organisation to grow well. This is not a traditional People Ops role. It is a senior, hands on position for someone who is both commercial and deeply technical, and who genuinely loves People Operations. Every system choice, workflow and process will shape the employee experience and reinforce the culture.
What you will do:
- Own the People Operations strategy and execution, working closely with senior People leadership
- Act as the technical lead for People systems, ensuring they are well designed, integrated and fully optimised
- Use data and insight to inform decisions, improve efficiency and support the organisation to scale
- Design and deliver high quality People programmes that create a consistent, mission aligned experience
- Be a trusted point of contact for people related queries, ensuring clarity, rigour and care
- Identify operational gaps and proactively design solutions that balance quality with pace
- Lead and develop the People Operations team, setting a high bar for standards and impact
Who will be successful:
This role will suit someone who is commercially minded, technically strong and passionate about People Operations as a discipline. Have you got:
- Significant experience leading People Operations in a scaling organisation
- Deep systems and Workday expertise, with hands on experience designing and configuring complex workflows
- Strong analytical capability and a track record of using data to improve processes
- Commercial judgement and the ability to align people infrastructure with business goals
- A proactive, problem solving mindset and a high level of ownership
- Comfort operating at both strategic and operational levels
- A values driven approach, comfort with ambiguity and a desire to disrupt how things are done
We recognise how challenging this current job market is for candidates, and Hawkwood are therefore striving to provide the best candidate experience we can. If you are interested in this opportunity, we kindly request that you apply via this LinkedIn advert, as opposed to sending us an email or LinkedIn direct message. We are eager to ensure that each candidate application is considered fairly, and receives a consistent experience. Unfortunately, we cannot ensure this standard if you enquire about a role via email or LinkedIn message, as it falls outside of our established process.
Head of People Operations - High Growth Biotech Scale Up - up to £140k in City of London employer: Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting
Join a pioneering biotech scale-up that is not only at the forefront of scientific innovation but also deeply committed to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, this role offers the unique opportunity to shape the People Operations function in a dynamic environment, where your contributions will directly impact the organisation's mission to revolutionise medicine discovery. Enjoy a competitive salary package, hybrid working arrangements, and the chance to be part of a team that values ambition, collaboration, and a shared vision for success.
Contact Details:
Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People Operations - High Growth Biotech Scale Up - up to £140k in City of London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Operations - High Growth Biotech Scale Up - up to £140k in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting. This shows your passion for the industry!
