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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, assess leadership, and develop AI tools for employee ownership.
- Company: Join Valloop, a pioneering employee-owned business group transforming SME ownership.
- Benefits: Earn £80,000 plus share options, enjoy remote work, and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on businesses while shaping your role in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5 years HR experience, strong leadership assessment skills, and CIPD qualified.
- Other info: Work directly with the CEO and board, no corporate red tape.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
About Valloop
We are an employee-owned business group disrupting how SMEs transition to employee ownership. Based in the UK and working across multiple jurisdictions, we combine capital provision, investment management, and advisory services to make employee ownership accessible. We are lean, commercially focused, and believe in telling it like it is.
The Role
This isn’t your typical HR Director position. We need someone who can operate across four interconnected areas:
- Internal HR operations - Own the full people function across multiple jurisdictions, with significant focus on recruitment and performance management.
- Leadership assessment (40-50% of your time) - Evaluate and develop leadership teams for businesses entering employee ownership. Client-facing consulting work that directly impacts investment decisions.
- AI-enabled tools - Build assessment tools and reports using AI (we’ll support your development - curiosity matters more than existing expertise).
- Strategic deputy to CEO - Run leadership meetings, drive accountability, contribute beyond the people agenda.
Key Responsibilities
Own full people function across multiple jurisdictions - recruitment, ER, performance management, compliance.
Design and deliver leadership assessments for client businesses (CV analysis, assessment centres, development days).
Build AI-powered assessment tools and reports (we’ll support your learning).
Act as deputy to CEO - run leadership meetings, drive accountability.
Manage third-party assessment providers as deal flow scales.
Requirements
Significant generalist HR experience covering full employee lifecycle.
Proven track record as standalone HR leader without functional team.
Experience assessing leadership capability through multiple methods.
Strong facilitation and coaching skills with senior leaders.
Board/C-suite stakeholder management experience.
CIPD qualified or working towards.
Resilient, adaptable, high-energy self-starter.
Right to work in UK.
Desirable
Experience in employee ownership, SME investment, or advisory environments.
Assessment centre design and delivery background.
Experience working across multiple jurisdictions.
This Role Is NOT
Managing a HR team (it’s standalone).
Corporate bureaucracy (we’re lean and fast-moving).
Pure internal focus (40-50% is client-facing consulting).
Why Join Us?
£80,000 salary plus director-level share options (genuine ownership stake).
Remote working with flexibility and autonomy.
Direct access to CEO, founders, and board.
Opportunity to shape your role as you and the business evolve.
Work that has tangible impact on both internal operations and client success.
To Apply
Submit your CV. If your experience matches what we’re looking for, we’ll invite you to an initial conversation to discuss the role in detail. Valloop Operations Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £80,000.00 per year
Benefits: Casual dress, Company pension, Transport links, Work from home.
Experience: Human resources: 5 years (required).
Language: English (required).
Work authorisation: United Kingdom (required).
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Stockport SK1 1SL.
Director of People employer: Valloop Operations Ltd
Contact Detail:
Valloop Operations Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR and employee ownership space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements in HR, especially in leadership assessment and performance management. Use this as a conversation starter during interviews to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, apply through our website. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; show us your enthusiasm and how you can contribute to our mission of making employee ownership accessible.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! Since this role involves client-facing consulting, brush up on your communication and facilitation skills. Practice discussing complex topics in simple terms, so you can impress during interviews and meetings.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your HR experience, especially in recruitment and performance management, as well as any leadership assessment work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Curiosity: Since we’re keen on AI-enabled tools, don’t hesitate to mention any relevant projects or experiences. Even if you’re not an expert yet, showing your willingness to learn and adapt is key. We love a curious mind!
Be Authentic: We appreciate honesty and straightforwardness. When writing your application, let your personality shine through. Tell us why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our mission of making employee ownership accessible.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us without a hitch, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your CV and can get back to you quickly if you’re a good fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valloop Operations Ltd
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Valloop's mission and values. Understand their approach to employee ownership and how they disrupt traditional models. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience managing the full employee lifecycle. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully handled recruitment, performance management, and compliance in previous roles. Highlight your ability to operate independently, as this role is standalone.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Assessment Skills
Since a significant part of the role involves evaluating leadership teams, come prepared with examples of how you've assessed leadership capabilities in the past. Discuss any methods you've used, such as CV analysis or assessment centres, and be ready to share insights on what makes an effective leader.
✨Embrace AI and Innovation
Valloop is looking for someone who can build AI-enabled tools. Even if you don't have extensive experience, express your curiosity and willingness to learn. Share any ideas you have about how AI can enhance HR processes, and be open about your eagerness to develop these skills with their support.