Interim Head of HR (Maternity cover 9m FTC) in London

This is an opportunity to shape the People experience at V‑Nova during an exciting phase of innovation and growth. As Interim Head of HR, you will play a central role in creating an environment where talented, curious and driven individuals can do their best work and thrive. You will lead the HR function, contributing at both an operational and strategic level. Reporting to our COO and working alongside six Department Heads, you will be part of a collaborative leadership team committed to building a high‑performance culture grounded in trust, respect and continuous improvement.

You will manage and support a hands‑on HR Advisor who oversees day‑to‑day HR administration. This will enable you to focus on strengthening people strategy, coaching leaders, evolving policies and processes, and ensuring our practices scale thoughtfully as the company grows. At V‑Nova, we value people who combine technical excellence with integrity, curiosity and teamwork.

In this role, you will:

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high‑performance culture
• Partner with leaders to develop their teams and strengthen capability
• Ensure policies and processes are fair, transparent and aligned with our values
• Balance strategic thinking with practical delivery
• Approach complex or sensitive matters with professionalism, emotional intelligence and sound judgement

You will thrive here if you enjoy working in a fast‑moving, innovation‑led environment where priorities evolve and collaboration is key. You are comfortable operating with high autonomy while staying closely connected to stakeholders across the business. You build trust quickly, communicate with clarity and empathy, and remain calm and solutions‑focused under pressure. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution — shaping how we attract, support and develop exceptional talent while ensuring our HR practices enable both individual growth and business success. If you are motivated by impact, continuous improvement and helping talented people perform at their best, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for senior level HR decision making, day‑to‑day HR management, and proposing creative and solution‑oriented options on more strategic matters to C‑Level as needed.
• Act as the face of HR for the company, upholding the company values and associated behavioural competencies and promoting high levels of collaboration and communication.
• Promote and actively lead on the communication and understanding of the V‑Nova OKRs, suggesting initiatives and tools to help increase their visibility and embed them across V‑Nova.
• Oversee the appropriate use of our HR tools and software, ensuring records are accurate and up‑to‑date and implementing improvements to streamline HR processes where appropriate.
• Oversee recruitment across the company – maintaining up‑to‑date headcount budgeting and forecasts, managing hiring requests and supporting hiring managers in defining their needs, interviewing candidates at final stage, leading on the offer/compensation process and any relevant sponsorship/visa requirements, through to onboarding stage.
• Ensure final payroll submissions and pension uploads are accurate and committed on time, working with Finance to resolve queries as needed.
• Responsibility for managing the employee benefits (taxable and non‑taxable).
• Oversee Performance Development across the company – driving momentum on a continuous performance development model using Clear Review, championing regular provision of actionable feedback, quarterly objective setting/probation conversations and identifying training needs and new initiatives to support managers and employees.
• Manage and develop the HR Assistant through regular 1:1s and feedback provision, and quarterly review/setting of performance objectives.
• Maintain and apply knowledge of relevant employment law requirements and ensure regulatory compliance, on both day‑to‑day management of employees and with Legal/Finance/external on international matters or projects.
• Provide a people‑centric HR view on cross‑collaborative initiatives.
• Ensure employee policies and procedures are adhered to, up‑to‑date and legally compliant, taking pragmatic decisions on “grey areas” when needed.
• Provide coaching and practical, actionable advice to line managers on any people/team issues; lead on any employee relations, disciplinary issues or investigations as required.
• Partner closely with Execs and senior leadership to provide an independent “council/advisory” role on all People related topics.
• Ensure prudent cost controls are in place for all HR related activities in line with the HR budget and approving POs.
• L&D – work with managers on identifying training needs for their team members, agreeing suitable external course providers where needed or coordinating relevant training internally.

Qualifications:

• At least 8 years’ HR generalist experience, some/all of which gained working in SME/start‑up environments within Tech.
• Organised and proactive, with the ability to anticipate situations and develop clear, logical approaches to mitigate risk or maximise opportunity for the company.
• Proven ability to operate flexibly and effectively in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment in which cross‑functional teamwork and initiative are a must.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, first‑time‑right attitude and able to work to deadlines.
• A hands‑on approach and demonstrated ability to multi‑task across a wide range of tasks.
• Enthusiasm for promoting diversity & representation in Tech.
• You have cultural awareness, sensitivity, and knowledge of principles, methods, and tools to create inclusive workspaces.
• A positive can‑do attitude and willingness to help out and problem‑solve at all levels.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills in English.
• Experience supporting overseas employees and international payroll/employment law would be advantageous.