At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business operations and shape company culture in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Runway East, redefining office spaces with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: 31 days off, private healthcare, gym discounts, and epic team trips.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to positive impact and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing, innovative company.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior roles, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
At Runway East, we're on a mission to eliminate boring offices. Since 2014, we've created unique, flexible office spaces in London, Bristol, Bath, Birmingham and Brighton for teams of 1-100, featuring everything from dogs on demand to our famous Friday drinks trolley. We offer great benefits, including private healthcare and team trips abroad, and we're a proud B Corp, committed to positive impact on the planet and people.
As Head of Business & People Operations, you'll own the operating rhythm that keeps a fast-growing company on track - company goals, planning and reporting - and take on the cross-departmental projects that would otherwise land on our leadership team's desk. This is a senior generalist role. People and culture are a big part of it - recruitment, onboarding, how we work together - but so is the wider machinery: company-wide systems, processes and the projects that don't have a natural home in any one department. If you thrive on high ownership and impact (with full-time or part time flexibility), this is an opportunity to shape how a profitable, people-first company operates day to day.
Who You Are:
- You've been the senior person in the room before - probably at an early-stage startup, wearing five hats and making the calls yourself.
- You're comfortable with ambiguity and happy figuring things out when there’s no existing playbook.
- You take things end to end and land them without much oversight.
- You’re happy to be hands-on - equally at home setting high-level strategy as you are getting into the day-to-day admin, systems, or recruitment detail.
- You’d rather fix a broken process than just run it as it is.
- You bring high EQ and low ego - you're a trusted team anchor who reads a room well and knows when something needs escalating.
- You think commercially about the impact of people and operations decisions.
- You follow through without being chased.
What you'll be doing:
- Drive our company rhythm: Lead monthly business reviews, quarterly goal tracking, and the annual planning cycle in close partnership with leadership.
- Own talent & onboarding: Run recruitment and onboarding end-to-end, shaping how Runway East shows up to talent and ensuring an exceptional experience.
- Anchor our culture & comms: Run the drumbeat of internal comms (All Hands, Weekly Updates) and lead our social committee, and team connection moments.
- Tackle cross-functional projects: Take on complex initiatives that lack a natural owner and see them through from problem definition to done.
- Optimise systems & operations: Keep our internal tools, workflows, policies, perks, and internal documentation sharp, current, and genuinely useful across the business.
Our Benefits
We believe in taking care of our team members and offer a range of benefits to support your well-being and professional development. As a valued member of our team, you will enjoy:
- Time Off: 31 days including bank holidays, plus an extra day for every year at Runway East. We also give you your birthday off and extra time over Christmas.
- Wellbeing: private health & dental, gym discounts, mental health support, and a Bike2Work scheme.
- Growth: professional development budget, learning resources, and clear progression pathways.
- Community: two workdays per year for charitable activities, team outings, and epic annual trips (Barcelona, Rhodes, Vilnius, and more!).
- The Usual Suspects: paid sick days, compassionate leave, enhanced parental leave, and life insurance.
Our Commitment to Inclusivity
We celebrate diversity and believe it strengthens our community. We welcome people from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. What matters most to us is your spirit and passion. If you need specific access support, let us know - we’re here to help.
Head of Business & People Operations employer: Runway East
At Runway East, we pride ourselves on being a people-first company that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As the Head of Business & People Operations, you'll enjoy exceptional benefits such as generous time off, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to our mission of redefining office spaces in a dynamic environment. With a commitment to positive impact and a strong community spirit, working here means being part of a team that values your contributions and supports your well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business & People Operations
✨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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
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 Runway East!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 Runway East.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business & People Operations
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 Runway East. 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 Runway East 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 Runway East. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Runway East'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 Runway East
✨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 Runway East.
✨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 Runway East 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 Runway East and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
