Global Director of People (Hybrid UK) in Cambridge
Global Director of People (Hybrid UK)

Global Director of People (Hybrid UK) in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global HR operations and enhance employee experiences across multiple countries.
  • Company: Dynamic company seeking a passionate Global Director of People.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a creative environment with exciting challenges and career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global people operations and employee engagement.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in global HR, hands-on experience with Rippling, and strong execution skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

Location: UK, Hybrid (Minimum 1 day/week at the UK Cambridgeshire office)

We are looking for a Global Director of People to own and scale our people operations across multiple countries. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role for someone who thrives in complexity, has deep global HR experience, and can jump into existing systems to get things done immediately. You will partner closely with the Deputy CEO, managers, and local stakeholders to ensure a seamless employee experience across the full lifecycle, while maintaining strong operational rigor and compliance globally.

Key Responsibilities

  • Employee Lifecycle Management (Global)
    • Own the full employee lifecycle: recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, performance management, promotions, compensation changes, and offboarding
    • Manage hiring and terminations through Rippling
    • Oversee and implement performance management processes
    • Manage recruiting workflows
    • Ensure accurate documentation (offer letters, probation completions, bonus structures, separation agreements, etc.) in partnership with in-house counsel
  • HR Operations & Systems
    • Serve as the global owner of Rippling, including:
    • Employee data management
    • Time off and leave of absence tracking
    • Time & attendance for hourly employees
    • Spend management
    • On and Offboarding workflows
    • Quickly assess and optimize existing HR processes and systems
    • Manage and continuously improve HR policies, processes, and tools globally
  • Benefits & Payroll Globally
    • Own HR operations, including:
    • Health benefits
    • Retirement plans
    • Employment verifications
    • Payroll familiarity strongly preferred
    • Act as the operational expert for global compliance and benefits administration
  • Global HR Operations
    • Manage HR processes across multiple countries, including: US, UK, France, Hungary, Romania, Sweden
    • Coordinate with local partners and internal “local heroes” to ensure compliance and smooth execution
    • Support global org structure changes and scaling efforts
  • People Partnership & Leadership Support
    • Partner with managers on:
    • Employee retention and engagement
    • Performance feedback and issue resolution
    • Title, compensation, and role changes
    • Work closely with the Deputy CEO on organizational design, workforce planning, and people strategy

What Success Looks Like

  • You can jump into Rippling on day one and quickly understand, manage, and improve existing setups
  • You confidently handle all HR operational details, especially benefits and compliance
  • You effectively manage HR operations across multiple international jurisdictions
  • You bring structure, clarity, and momentum to complex, global people operations
  • Managers trust you as a pragmatic, solutions-oriented and executive partner

Must-Have Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years proven global HR experience managing employees across multiple countries
  • Hands-on experience with Rippling (required)
  • Strong execution mindset - you are known for getting things done, not just designing processes
  • Deep understanding of employee lifecycle operations
  • High attention to detail with the ability to operate strategically
  • Payroll experience
  • Familiarity with US and international employment compliance
  • Experience owning and managing company-wide training and development initiatives, including onboarding training, compliance training, manager enablement, and ongoing employee development programs across a global organization.

Nice to Have

  • Experience supporting creative, technical, and product-driven teams (e.g., game development, engineering, design, live operations)
  • Background in the gaming industry, with familiarity with the pace, culture, and talent profiles typical of game studios and gaming-adjacent companies
  • Comfort operating in industries where project cycles, launches, and peak workloads require flexibility and pragmatic people solutions
  • Comfort partnering closely with IT, including experience with device management, system access, onboarding/offboarding coordination, and acting as a bridge between People Operations and IT teams in a distributed setup

Global Director of People (Hybrid UK) in Cambridge employer: Maximum Games

As a Global Director of People at our innovative company, you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that fosters collaboration and growth. With a strong emphasis on employee experience and operational excellence, we offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and ample opportunities for professional development across multiple countries. Join us in shaping a seamless global HR strategy while enjoying the unique advantages of working from our Cambridgeshire office and beyond.
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Contact Detail:

Maximum Games Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Director of People (Hybrid UK) in Cambridge

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience with global operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can enhance their people operations globally.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team!

We think you need these skills to ace Global Director of People (Hybrid UK) in Cambridge

Global HR Experience
Employee Lifecycle Management
Performance Management
HR Operations
Rippling
Compliance Management
Benefits Administration
Payroll Familiarity
International Employment Compliance
Training and Development Initiatives
Attention to Detail
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Global Director of People. Highlight your global HR experience and any hands-on work with systems like Rippling. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex people operations before!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed employee lifecycles and improved HR processes in previous positions.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you’ve used them! Give us examples of how you’ve navigated challenges in HR operations and what solutions you implemented to overcome them.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Maximum Games

✨Know Your HR Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your global HR knowledge, especially around employee lifecycle management. Be ready to discuss how you've handled recruiting, onboarding, and performance management in different countries. This role is all about execution, so have some solid examples up your sleeve!

✨Familiarise Yourself with Rippling

Since this position requires hands-on experience with Rippling, it’s crucial to understand its functionalities. If you’ve used it before, be prepared to share specific instances where you optimised processes or improved workflows. If not, do a bit of research to show your willingness to learn.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

This role thrives on complexity, so be ready to demonstrate how you tackle challenges. Think of situations where you had to manage compliance across multiple jurisdictions or improve HR operations. Highlight your pragmatic approach and how you bring structure to chaos.

✨Engage with the Company Culture

Understanding the company’s culture, especially if it’s in the gaming industry, can set you apart. Show that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the team. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to employee engagement and retention in a creative environment.

Global Director of People (Hybrid UK) in Cambridge
Maximum Games
Location: Cambridge

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