At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global People strategy and initiatives in a fast-paced SaaS environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing B2B SaaS scale-up backed by venture capital.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and the chance to shape company culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving significant growth and organisational change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-impact People roles within scaling tech companies.
- Other info: This is a 15-18 month contract covering parental leave, starting June/July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About the Company:
We’re partnering with a rapidly scaling, venture capital-backed B2B SaaS business that has doubled its revenues every year for the last 5 years. The company now employs over 300 people globally, with plans to double in size again over the next year, following a successful VC fundraise and an acquisition. This is a rare opportunity to join a successful scale-up on the cusp of another significant growth leap.
About the Role:
Our client is looking for an Interim VP of People for a 15-18-month contract starting June/July 2025, to cover a period of parental leave, with handover either side. This is a mission-critical role designed to further elevate the People function and prepare the organisation for continued expansion through the evolution of key People initiatives and processes. You will lead a growing People team, leading on the global People strategy across the UK, USA and Hong Kong.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Defining and executing a global People roadmap aligned with rapid growth, M&A activity, and international expansion
- Leading the evolution of the People function from operational to strategic business partner
- Building scalable and compliant People operations function across global offices
- Designing and implementing high-performance frameworks, including feedback, levelling, and performance development
- Supporting the integration of acquired businesses and harmonising cultures, policies, and practices
- Advising the executive team on organisational design and leadership structure to support scaling
- Levelling up management capability through targeted training, development, and accountability
- Acting as a commercial partner to Finance, Legal, and Revenue leaders on people-related investment, risk, and ROI
- Providing coaching and thought leadership to senior stakeholders and your own team
About You:
We are seeking a seasoned VP of People with a proven track record in similar high-impact roles. You will excel in a fast-paced, global environment and demonstrate the strategic acumen and operational expertise required to partner with senior leadership, drive organisational change, and support the business through scalable growth.
You’ll bring:
- Experience leading the People function in a scaling B2B SaaS or tech company, ideally Series B–D
- Deep expertise in organisational design, change management, performance frameworks, and leadership development
- Experience scaling People operations internationally, including compliance and culture-building across regions
- Commercial fluency - be able to link People strategy with business goals and growth drivers
- A hands-on, pragmatic approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the credibility to influence at executive level
- Experience operating internationally, overseeing the USA (preferred)
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.
Interim VP of People, 15-18 month FTC, High-growth SaaS Scale-up employer: Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting
Contact Detail:
Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim VP of People, 15-18 month FTC, High-growth SaaS Scale-up
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the SaaS industry, especially those who have experience in high-growth environments. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the latest trends in People strategy.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by scaling B2B SaaS companies. Understanding the nuances of organisational design and change management in this context will help you articulate your value during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading People functions through periods of rapid growth. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented performance frameworks and managed cultural integration during acquisitions.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commercial fluency by linking your People strategies to business outcomes. Research the company’s recent growth milestones and be prepared to discuss how your expertise can directly contribute to their ongoing success.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim VP of People, 15-18 month FTC, High-growth SaaS Scale-up
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Interim VP of People position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in leading People functions within high-growth B2B SaaS or tech companies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic acumen and operational expertise.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements in previous roles, particularly those related to organisational design, change management, and performance frameworks. This will help illustrate your capability to drive growth and influence at an executive level.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application resonates with the hiring team and highlights your suitability for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawkwood l People & Talent Recruiting
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research the company's culture and values. Given that this role involves harmonising cultures post-acquisition, demonstrating your understanding of their unique environment will show that you are a good fit for the team.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As an Interim VP of People, you'll need to discuss high-level strategies. Be ready to share your insights on organisational design and how you've successfully implemented change management in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Showcase Your International Experience
This role requires overseeing operations across multiple regions. Highlight your experience in scaling People operations internationally, particularly in the USA and Hong Kong, and be prepared to discuss how you navigated cultural differences.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills are crucial for this position. Prepare examples of how you've influenced senior leadership and collaborated with other departments, such as Finance and Legal, to align People strategy with business goals.