At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of a global People function in a high-growth SaaS environment.
- Company: Dynamic SaaS business with ambitious growth plans and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pathway to CPO, and direct access to the CEO.
- Other info: Opportunity to work across EMEA and APAC markets with a global remit.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving company and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Experience scaling HR functions and leading teams in fast-paced environments.
We're working exclusively with a profitable, privately owned SaaS business entering its next significant phase of growth to find an Executive Director of People & Talent with a clear, defined pathway to Chief People Officer. This is not a maintenance role. It's a build role.
The Opportunity
- The business currently employs approximately 500 people across 15 countries. The mandate is to take that to 1,000+.
- They need someone who has been in that seat before, who has professionalised, scaled, and transformed a People function inside a high-growth environment.
- You will report directly to the CEO and Chief of Staff, lead a global team of 15 HR professionals across EMEA and APAC, and have the authority and visibility to truly shape the organisation's future.
What You'll Be Building
- A scalable global People function fit for the next phase of growth.
- Frameworks, structures, and operating models that don't exist yet.
- A culture and engagement strategy across a genuinely international workforce.
- Leadership development capability for a rapidly evolving executive team.
- World-class global HR across Internal HR, People Services, and Business Services.
What They're Looking For
- High energy, commercial, and entrepreneurial; a modern People leader, not a traditional HR Director.
- Experienced scaling a People function from 250–500 employees to 1,000+.
- From a SaaS, Technology, or Tech-enabled Services background.
- A builder, not an inheritor. Someone who creates structures rather than maintaining them.
- Comfortable with ambiguity, challenging CEOs, and operating globally.
- Deeply experienced across EMEA and APAC markets.
The Package
- $180,000 – $220,000 base salary (paid in local currency).
- London (preferred), Dubai, or Singapore.
- Defined pathway to Chief People Officer.
- Global remit from day one.
- Direct access to the CEO.
- The chance to leave a genuine legacy in a business that's going places.
If you're a People leader who has built rather than inherited, who leads with energy rather than process, and who wants to be part of something genuinely exciting — I'd love to have a confidential conversation.
JGA are dedicated to delivering the best possible candidate experience. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we are not always able to respond to every individual applicant. If your application is shortlisted, a member of our team will be in touch. Thank you for your understanding.
JGA Recruitment Group Ltd are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.
We are also committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are a specialist Payroll and HR recruitment agency and recruitment business as defined in the Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.
Executive Director, People & Talent in London employer: JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp™
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing SaaS business that values innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of its global People function. With a competitive salary and a clear pathway to Chief People Officer, you'll thrive in a culture that encourages creativity and leadership development across diverse international teams. This is not just a job; it's a chance to leave a lasting legacy in a company poised for significant growth.
Contact Details:
JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp™ Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director, People & Talent in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience in scaling People functions. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Executive Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built and transformed HR functions in high-growth environments. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 3
Be bold in interviews! This role is all about building something new, so don’t shy away from sharing your innovative ideas on culture and engagement strategies. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit for their ambitious plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application and help you land that dream job. Plus, it gives us a chance to connect directly and support you throughout the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, People & Talent in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely excited about building a People function in a high-growth environment.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in scaling People functions. We’re looking for someone who has been in the trenches before, so share specific examples of how you've built and transformed HR in previous roles.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We appreciate candidates who are real and relatable. Share your unique approach to leadership and how you’ve navigated challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JGA Recruitment Group | B Corp™
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Understand their growth trajectory and how they plan to scale from 500 to 1,000 employees. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Building Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've built and transformed People functions in high-growth environments. Highlight your entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create structures from scratch, as this is what they're looking for. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact!
✨Embrace Ambiguity
Be ready to discuss how you've navigated uncertainty in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your comfort with ambiguity and your ability to challenge leadership when necessary. This will resonate well with their need for a modern People leader.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
Understand the importance of culture and engagement strategies in a global workforce. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building a strong company culture across diverse teams in EMEA and APAC. This will show that you’re not just about processes, but about people too.
