At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Reward & People Operations strategy for a pioneering quantum computing company.
- Company: Join OQC, a leader in quantum computing innovation with a bold culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, innovative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a world-class team redefining the limits of computation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while enhancing employee experiences in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in Reward and People Operations within high-growth organisations is essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Description
At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it.
Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality.
The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started and we’ve recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round – the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe.
The Purpose
As our Head of Reward & People Operations, you'll shape the people infrastructure that enables OQC’s next phase of international growth.
Combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, you'll build scalable reward programmes, optimise people systems, and lead operational excellence to ensure our employee experience evolves alongside our rapidly growing business.
The Role
You'll lead the Reward & People Operations function, creating the frameworks, systems and governance that support a fast-growing, international technology company.
Working closely with the senior leaders, you'll own everything from executive reward and equity administration to HR systems, international expansion and operational excellence, while developing a high-performing People Operations team.
- What You'll Be Working On
- Lead the Reward & People Operations strategy, delivering scalable processes, reward frameworks and people systems that support OQC's continued growth.
- Design, implement and oversee employee equity and executive reward programmes, ensuring strong governance, compliance and an outstanding employee experience.
- Drive the implementation, optimisation and ongoing development of our HR Information System (ideally Hi Bob), using technology and automation to create efficient, data-driven people operations.
- Establish operational people infrastructure for international expansion, including employment, payroll, benefits and compliance across new markets.
- Build robust governance, reporting and operational controls across people data, reward, HR systems and People Operations.
- Partner with Finance, Legal, Payroll, IT and senior leaders to deliver commercially focused people solutions and lead key operational projects.
- Develop, coach and lead the People Operations team, fostering high performance, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience leading or developing a Reward and/or People Operations function within a fast-paced, high-growth organisation.
- Proven experience designing and administering employee equity plans and managing executive reward processes.
- Experience leading HRIS implementation and optimisation, ideally using Hi Bob.
- Strong knowledge of international People Operations, including establishing employment infrastructure across multiple countries.
- Experience improving operational efficiency through systems implementation, automation and process redesign.
- Strong leadership experience with a track record of coaching and developing People Operations professionals.
- Expertise in reward strategy, executive compensation, governance, compliance and operational risk management.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and work cross-functionally.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience using people data and reporting to support business decisions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Significant practical experience in Reward & People Operations or equivalent professional expertise.
- The 'Nice-to-Haves'
- Experience implementing Hi Bob.
- Experience establishing operations in Spain.
- Experience supporting employment operations in Japan and/or the United States.
- Experience managing global equity programmes across multiple jurisdictions.
- Experience working within international scale-up organisations.
- Experience in a complex technology, engineering or scientific environment.
- CIPD qualification (or equivalent).
- Degree or equivalent practical experience.
- Why Join OQC
You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era.
We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.
Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here
https://oqc. tech/company/careers-at-oqc/
Head of Reward & People Operations in Reading employer: Oxford Quantum Circuits
Oxford Quantum Circuits is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the cutting-edge field of quantum computing. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees benefit from a supportive environment where their contributions are valued, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in the vibrant city of Reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Reward & People Operations in Reading
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Oxford Quantum Circuits!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Oxford Quantum Circuits.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Reward & People Operations in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Oxford Quantum Circuits. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Oxford Quantum Circuits and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Oxford Quantum Circuits. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Oxford Quantum Circuits's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Quantum Circuits
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Oxford Quantum Circuits.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Oxford Quantum Circuits will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Oxford Quantum Circuits and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
