At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and oversee recruitment while supporting employee experience.
- Company: Innovative tech company focused on AI and digital assets.
- Benefits: Annual training allowance, team events, stock options, and birthday off.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and hands-on support in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic tech environment during maternity cover.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong knowledge of employee lifecycle.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our client is an innovative technology company helping regulated organisations navigate artificial intelligence, digital assets and privacy-focused infrastructure. They are seeking an experienced Head of People to lead their HR and recruitment function during a period of maternity leave. This fixed-term contract includes an overlap at the beginning and end to support a thorough handover.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the people strategy, oversee the full employee lifecycle and manage two team members responsible for day-to-day HR and recruitment. This is primarily a leadership and oversight role, but you will remain close to operational delivery and provide hands-on support during busy periods.
Key responsibilities
- People and HR
- Lead the company’s people strategy and employee experience.
- Oversee performance reviews, regular one-to-ones and employee surveys.
- Assess retention risks and support employee engagement.
- Manage employee relations, including grievances, disciplinaries and conflict resolution.
- Oversee compensation, benefits and salary-review processes.
- Maintain HR policies, the employee handbook and employment-law compliance across international markets.
- Support training, development, coaching and employee wellbeing.
- Manage onboarding, offboarding, absence, leave and family-leave processes.
- Oversee employment contracts, references, right-to-work checks and HR records.
- Provide people metrics and reports to senior leadership.
- Conduct exit interviews and ensure appropriate follow-up actions.
- Recruitment
- Oversee the complete in-house recruitment lifecycle.
- Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements.
- Manage candidate experience, offers and recruitment pipelines.
- Oversee the applicant tracking system and recruitment reporting.
- Manage relationships with external recruitment agencies.
- Write and refine job descriptions and role scopes.
- Develop recruitment marketing and employer-branding activity.
- Support CV reviews, interview coordination and HR interviews during peak hiring periods.
- Monitor recruitment metrics, including time-to-hire.
- Leadership
- Line-manage and develop two HR and recruitment team members.
- Act as the senior escalation point for people-related matters.
- Work closely and confidentially with the CEO.
- Balance strategic leadership with hands-on support when required.
Essential experience
- Proven experience leading an HR or People function as a Head of People, HR Manager or similar.
- Strong knowledge of the full employee lifecycle and HR best practice.
- Experience supporting employment matters across multiple jurisdictions.
- Understanding of Employer of Record arrangements.
- Strong recruitment experience, including hiring-manager engagement, interviewing and agency management.
- Previous line-management experience.
- Confidence handling sensitive employee-relations matters.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and become effective quickly.
- Comfortable adopting new technology, including AI-enabled tools.
- Availability for the full contract from early September 2026 to mid-May 2027.
- Full UK right to work without sponsorship.
Desirable experience
- Managing international or distributed teams.
- Working with Employers of Record.
- Recruitment marketing and employer branding.
- Experience in a fast-paced technology, software, startup or scale-up environment.
- Knowledge of or interest in artificial intelligence, blockchain or digital assets.
Qualifications
- Proven experience leading an HR or People function as a Head of People, HR Manager or similar.
- Strong knowledge of the full employee lifecycle and HR best practice.
- Experience supporting employment matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Why is This a Great Opportunity:
- £1000 Annual Allowance for Training (up to 50% of this value can be used for you to buy workstation equipment to work from home)
- 5 days/per year for Training
- In-person fun team events/team buildings every 3 months
- Company equipment and Onboarding kit
- Annual Bonus (dependent on company and personal performance)
- Stock Option Plan
- Birthday Off
- Amazing referral programme
Salary Type: Per day
Salary Min: £63,400
Salary Max: £63,450
Head of People - Maternity Cover in England employer: Npa Worldwide
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing company that has expanded significantly over the past two years, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and innovation thrive. As a DV Software Test Engineer, you will benefit from ample opportunities for professional development and growth, while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to delivering high-quality marketing initiatives. With a focus on employee well-being and a supportive environment, this role promises a rewarding career path in a company that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People - Maternity Cover in England
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Npa Worldwide and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People - Maternity Cover in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Npa Worldwide. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Npa Worldwide
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Npa Worldwide, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Npa Worldwide uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Npa Worldwide.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Npa Worldwide.
