At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and empower global HR teams while managing complex employee relations and driving growth.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing fintech known for its innovative culture and high Glassdoor ratings.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous employee share package, competitive salary, and a fun workplace environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping HR strategies for a global tech leader.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of HR experience with proven leadership and global exposure.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
Thought Machine's mission is bold – to properly and permanently rid the world's banks of legacy technology. To achieve this, we have developed the foundations of modern banking through core and payments technology which run natively in the cloud. We have grown rapidly in the past few years – growing our team to more than 550 individuals across offices in London, New York, Singapore, Sydney and our newly established Engineering Hub in Lisbon. We have raised more than £500m in funding and our investors include Molten Ventures, Eurazeo, Intesa Sanpaolo, Temasek, Nyca Partners, JPMorgan Chase Strategic Investments, Standard Chartered Ventures, and more. We have created a culture that enables our team to produce the best work in the industry while ensuring we have fun along the way. We're regularly cited as having a fantastic workplace culture and have been recognised by Sifted magazine as having one of the highest Glassdoor ratings for a UK fintech company and the industry's most generous employee share package. Named one of the world's most innovative fintechs by Global Finance Magazine, we were also recognised by the Financial Times as one of Europe's fastest-growing companies for two consecutive years—and a UK Best Employer for 2026.
Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer (CPO), the Global Head of HR will lead and empower our regional HR Business Partners across EMEA, AMER, and APAC. In this role, you will bridge the gap between global people strategy and local execution, ensuring our HR policies, employee relations, and expansion frameworks are robust, compliant, and scalable. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned HR leader who thrives on managing high-performing distributed teams, navigating complex Employee Relations and successfully operationalising global growth.
Key Responsibilities- Team Leadership & Management: Directly manage, mentor, and align a global team of HRBPs across EMEA, AMER, and APAC, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
- Complex Employee Relations: Serve as the ultimate escalation point and expert guide for complex, high-risk, or sensitive ER issues globally, ensuring fair, compliant, and consistent resolutions.
- Global Expansion & Office Launches: Lead the HR workstreams for opening new entities and offices globally, defining local HR policies, compliance frameworks, localised benefits, and onboarding structures.
- Policy & Compliance Ownership: Drive, review, and maintain the company’s global HR policies and handbooks, ensuring they balance global cultural alignment with strict adherence to local labour laws.
- Performance & Talent Management: Oversee the execution of annual people cycles (performance reviews, succession planning, compensation cycles) across all regions, working in tandem with the CPO.
- Global Mobility & Transfers: Oversee inter-company transfer processes, including international visa requirements, relocation logistics, and smooth cross-border onboarding as the business grows.
- Data-Driven Insights: Synthesise regional People metrics and management information (MI) to provide the CPO and Senior Management Team with actionable global insights on retention, engagement, and headcount.
- Proven HR Leadership: 8+ years of HR experience, with at least 2–3 years specifically managing a team of HR Business Partners or HR professionals.
- Global/Multi-Regional Exposure: Demonstrated experience navigating employment practices, labour laws, and cultural nuances across at least two of our key regions (EMEA, AMER, APAC).
- ER Expertise: A proven track record of successfully managing complex, sensitive, and high-risk Employee Relations cases to resolution.
- Growth & Expansion Execution: Practical experience setting up HR frameworks, policies, or employment contracts in new international territories/offices.
- Qualifications: CIPD accredited (or equivalent international HR/legal qualification).
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication and advisory skills, with the ability to build immediate rapport and influence senior leaders and regional stakeholders.
- Discretion & Diplomacy: Unwavering judgement, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.
- Data & Numeracy Literate: Strong Excel / Google Sheets skills and comfort using data to back up HR initiatives and track regional team performance.
- Coaching Background: A formal coaching qualification or a strong, demonstrable coaching leadership style.
This is a critical leadership position focused on bringing stability, process excellence, and strong execution to a fast-growing global footprint. You will have the autonomy to run the global HR engine while keeping our regional teams deeply connected and supported.
Global Head of HR employer: Thought Machine
Thought Machine is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development while ensuring a healthy work-life balance through flexible working hours and comprehensive benefits. Located in the UK, Thought Machine stands out for its commitment to empowering engineers to work closely with clients, making a tangible impact in the cloud technology space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Head of HR
✨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 Thought Machine!
✨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 Thought Machine.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of HR
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 Thought Machine. 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 Thought Machine 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 Thought Machine. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Thought Machine'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 Thought Machine
✨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 Thought Machine.
✨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 Thought Machine 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 Thought Machine and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
