At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee experience across EMEA and South Africa, managing performance and talent development.
- Company: Fast-scaling B2B SaaS company transforming fire and security workflows.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a rapidly growing team with a focus on excellence and genuine care for employees.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of an essential industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in People & Culture or HR business partnering in tech, with strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid - 3 days in the office per week minimum)
Reports to: Global Head of P&C
About Uptick
Uptick is redefining how fire and security businesses operate. We’re a fast-scaling B2B SaaS company building powerful, intuitive software that transforms complex, paper-heavy workflows into seamless digital experiences, with a mission of keeping 100,000,000 people safer where they live, work and play.
Backed by global growth equity leader PSG, we’ve rapidly become the category leader in Australia and are scaling internationally across the UK, US, and beyond. Since launching in the UK in 2021 and the US in 2024, our momentum has only accelerated.
We let the numbers speak for themselves. In 2025 alone, our team expanded by 37%, with an exceptional eNPS of 56 and over 80% participation. We’re building a team that strives for excellence (not perfection), shows up with genuine care for each other and our customers, and is driven by growth as we shape the future of an essential industry.
The Role
We’re looking for a Senior People Manager to own the employee experience across EMEA and South Africa, and to own four things for the business globally: how we manage performance, how our people grow and develop, the policies we all run on, and our employment compliance.
EMEA is one of our two growth markets alongside the US, and we also have an established team in South Africa. This role holds both, so you will be comfortable supporting at least two regions at once and the complexity that brings. Not everyone at Uptick is employed through a local entity, so you will also be at ease working through Employer of Record providers, and will support our Head of People & Culture as we open up new markets.
Based in London and reporting to our Head of People & Culture, you will work alongside our People & Culture Manager covering AUS and NA, who owns P&C operations, workflow and HiBob. You will be the senior People & Culture voice in the UK, a first escalation point for the wider team, and a deputy to the Head of People & Culture where needed.
This role is hands-on as well as strategic. Our performance frameworks and systems already exist, so you will be iterating on them and holding the business accountable for using them well, rather than starting from a blank page. If you like variety, care deeply about people, and want to help build something lasting, this could be the place for you.
Responsibilities & Skills Needed
- Regional ownership: Own the employee experience across EMEA and our established South African team, acting as the senior P&C partner to our G&A, Customer and Growth leaders across at least two regions and coaching them through team design, performance and difficult people decisions.
- Performance: Own our global performance cycle. The frameworks and systems already exist, so success here is iteration and accountability: better conversations, calibration that holds, and cycles that complete on time.
- Talent development: Own progression, learning and succession globally. Two headline measures sit with you, talent distribution against Culture Amp benchmarks and our H1 and H2 internal movement numbers. Success is people seeing a real future here and moving into it.
- Policy and compliance: Own our global policy framework and employee handbook, and employment compliance across our markets, covering UK and South African law including BCEA, LRA and EE reporting, and partnering with the AUS & NA Manager on Australian and US requirements. Success is no material breaches, filings on time, and policy people can actually read.
- Employee relations and employment models: Own regional employee relations as first escalation point for the wider team, referring complex and precedent-setting cases to the Head of People & Culture, and manage our Employer of Record relationships and the experience of people employed through them.
- Senior support: Deputise for the Head of People & Culture where needed, line manage and develop P&C team members in region as we grow, and support new market entry alongside our Talent Acquisition Manager on regional hiring.
About you
- People & Culture or HR business partnering experience gained in a scaling tech or SaaS business, including work with senior leaders.
- Experience supporting at least two regions or countries at once, and confident working with Employer of Record providers and non-entity employment models.
- Experience owning performance and talent development, improving an established approach and holding managers accountable for it rather than only administering the cycle.
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR practice, plus working knowledge of, or a genuine appetite for, South African employment standards.
- Experience writing and owning policy, and a track record navigating difficult employee relations and coaching managers through them.
- Comfortable being a senior voice, able to influence leadership and hold a position when it matters, and happy to spend regular time in our London office.
Senior People Manager employer: Uptick
Uptick is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic scale-up environment. With a strong focus on collaboration across teams, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact in the fire protection sector while enjoying a supportive work culture that values innovation and customer success. Located in the United Kingdom, Uptick offers a unique chance to be part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to driving meaningful change for its clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People Manager
✨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 Uptick!
✨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 Uptick.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People Manager
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 Uptick. 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 Uptick 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 Uptick. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Uptick'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 Uptick
✨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 Uptick.
✨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 Uptick 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 Uptick and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
