At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a global People Operations function in a fast-growing AI FinTech scale-up.
- Company: Join one of Europe's fastest-growing FinTech AI companies, recently valued at $1.3bn.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a rapidly expanding team with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on global operations and employee experience in a thriving company.
- Qualifications: Experience in People Operations within high-growth tech environments and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
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. With a customer base that includes many of the world’s leading financial organisations, and a track record of strong performance in both challenging and ultra-competitive market conditions, the business has proven both its market relevance and long-term resilience.
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:
- 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
Global Director, People Operations — AI FinTech Scale-Up employer: Hawkwood
As a Global Director of People Operations at one of Europe's fastest-growing FinTech AI scale-ups, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team that values growth and employee development. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, offering significant opportunities for professional advancement while investing heavily in product innovation and customer success. With a strong focus on building a people-first operations framework, this role provides a unique chance to shape the future of a rapidly expanding global organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Director, People Operations — AI FinTech Scale-Up
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their culture, values, and recent achievements. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to show how you can contribute to their growth story.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We suggest rehearsing with friends or in front of a mirror until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you top of mind. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Director, People Operations — AI FinTech Scale-Up
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Global Director, People Operations. Highlight your experience in high-growth environments and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring structure to complexity!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about building scalable people operations. Share your vision for the role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our fast-paced, innovative environment.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your leadership capabilities. We’re looking for someone who can coach and challenge teams effectively. Share examples of how you've built and led teams in previous roles, especially during periods of rapid growth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at this exciting time!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawkwood
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company’s history, values, and recent achievements. Understand their growth trajectory, especially after their Series C funding, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their ambitious goals.
✨Showcase Your People Ops Expertise
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you successfully built or optimised People Operations in a high-growth environment. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've tackled challenges similar to those the company is facing now.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would approach building a global People Ops function from scratch. Think about scalable processes, compliance across different regions, and how you can enhance employee experience while maintaining operational excellence.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your curiosity about the company's future, especially regarding their international expansion and use of AI in People Operations. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
