At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a global People Operations function in a fast-growing FinTech AI scale-up.
- Company: Join one of Europe's fastest-growing FinTech AI companies, recently valued at $1.3bn.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a hybrid work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate and shape the future of People Operations.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on global growth and employee experience in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-growth tech environments and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 180000 € per year.
Location: London, Hybrid
Salary: £150,000 - £180,000 + Equity
About the company: Hawkwood is partnering with one of Europe’s fastest-growing FinTech AI scale-ups, which has just achieved unicorn status following a $170m Series C funding round, valuing the business at $1.3bn. The company has scaled from 60 employees in 2021 to more than 400 globally today, with continued international expansion across EMEA, APAC and the Americas. This is a business that has achieved exceptional and sustained growth, doubling revenue year-on-year for the past five years while rapidly expanding its global team across London, New York and Belfast to meet growing customer demand. Over the last 12 months alone, headcount has grown from 200 to 400 employees as the business continues to invest heavily in product innovation, international expansion and customer success.
The opportunity: This hire comes at a pivotal moment for the business and its People function. Following a period of rapid scale, the organisation is making significant investment into its People Operations capability, creating the infrastructure required to support a truly global company operating at scale. The Director of People Operations will take ownership of building and professionalising the global People Ops function from the ground up. The role requires someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity and building scalable, people-first operations within high-growth businesses. The remit is broad and high impact: from building a global People Ops team and fixing fragmented systems and data, through to establishing compliance across multiple international locations, building compensation and mobility frameworks, and creating a best-in-class employee experience. This role will play a critical part in enabling the next stage of global growth.
What you’ll do:
- Build and lead the global People Operations function through its next phase of scale
- Partner closely with founders and senior leadership on organisational effectiveness and scale readiness
- Hire and develop key capability across People Ops, analytics, rewards and employee experience
- Establish scalable, globally consistent people processes across the UK, US, APAC and LATAM
- Overhaul and optimise current people systems, data integrity and reporting capabilities
- Design compensation, rewards and mobility frameworks to support international growth
- Create a high-quality employee experience with a strong operational and UX mindset
- Bring greater rigour, accountability and operational excellence into the People function
- Introduce smarter tooling, automation and AI-enabled workflows where appropriate
You will bring:
- Experience leading People Operations within a high-growth technology environment
- A strong track record of building operational infrastructure during periods of rapid growth and ambiguity
- Deep understanding of global people operations, systems, compliance and scaling practices
- A hands-on, builder mentality with the ability to move seamlessly between strategy and execution
- Strong leadership capability with the confidence to coach, challenge and hold teams accountable
- A commercially minded and highly pragmatic approach
- Comfort operating in fast-paced, evolving environments where priorities shift quickly
- A curious mindset around AI, tooling and operational innovation
- High levels of humility, drive and emotional intelligence
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 ask that you apply directly via this LinkedIn advert rather than email or LinkedIn message. This helps us ensure every candidate receives a fair, consistent, and structured experience throughout the process.
Director of People Operations - AI x FinTech, Scale-up employer: Hawkwood
Hawkwood is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment within one of Europe's fastest-growing FinTech AI scale-ups. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides ample opportunities for career advancement while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. Located in London, the hybrid work model allows for flexibility, and the competitive salary package, including equity, reflects the company's commitment to attracting top talent in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People Operations - AI x FinTech, Scale-up
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also a great cultural match!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experiences and skills, the more confident you'll be when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People Operations - AI x FinTech, Scale-up
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of People Operations role. Highlight your experience in high-growth environments and how you've built operational infrastructure before. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve contributed to growth and efficiency. We love numbers that tell a story!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone with a hands-on, builder mentality, so don’t be afraid to show us your passion for People Operations and how you approach challenges. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply directly via our website rather than through email or LinkedIn messages. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures you get a fair shot at the role. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawkwood
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background, especially its recent growth and achievements. Understand their mission, values, and how they operate in the FinTech and AI space. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to build operational infrastructure and lead teams in high-growth environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company’s challenges. Inquire about their current People Ops strategies, how they plan to scale further, and what tools they’re considering for automation. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their success.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
Highlight your emotional intelligence and leadership style during the interview. Discuss how you can foster a people-first culture and adapt to the fast-paced environment they thrive in. Demonstrating your alignment with their values will make you a more attractive candidate.
