At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Zapp's people function, shaping culture and performance in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Zapp, London's premium convenience retail platform, disrupting the market since 2020.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and more.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performance culture that values innovation and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by designing organisational structures and developing talent in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-growth environments, strong organisational design skills, and team management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Nine Elms, London - Full-time (5 days a week on-site)
Zapp is building something rare - a premium brand in a fast-moving market, with a team that holds itself to a standard most companies don’t bother to set. As People and Performance Lead, you will own the full people function at a critical stage of that build. This is not a process maintenance role. It is an organisational design role. You will be reporting directly to the Director of Growth and Strategy, and working closely with the founder and leadership team to shape how Zapp attracts, develops, and retains the people it needs to win. You will manage a small, high-impact team and be accountable for everything from culture and performance to hiring quality and compliance.
About Zapp
Zapp is London’s leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best-in-class customer-centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand‑picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.
Key Responsibilities
- Organisational Design and Development
- Lead the design and evolution of Zapp's organisational structure as the business scales - reporting lines, team shapes, spans of control, and role architecture
- Partner with the leadership team on headcount planning, workforce strategy, and how the organisation needs to evolve to meet commercial goals
- Identify capability gaps across the business and build the frameworks to close them - whether through hiring, development, or structural change
- Own the design and continuous improvement of Zapp's performance management system, ensuring it drives genuine accountability and rewards high performance
- Culture and Leadership
- Be the keeper and builder of Zapp's culture - ensuring the Leadership Principles are lived, not laminated
- Design and run the people moments that matter: onboarding, performance cycles, calibration sessions, promotions, and offboarding
- Partner with senior leaders to coach them on people management, team health, and how to have the conversations that make a difference
- Identify and build Zapp's internal leadership pipeline - who are the next generation of leaders and what do they need to get there
- Talent Acquisition
- Set the standard for how Zapp hires - the bar, the process, the candidate experience, and the employer brand
- Oversee and develop the TA Partner, ensuring pipeline quality, pace, and consistency across all open roles
- Own senior and business-critical hiring personally, partnering with the founder and leadership team on the most important decisions the business makes
- Continuously improve how Zapp assesses for both skill and culture fit without sacrificing speed
- HR Operations and Compliance
- Ensure Zapp's HR operations are clean, compliant, and scalable - contracts, policies, right to work, payroll coordination, and everything in between
- Own and evolve Zapp's employee handbook and policy framework, ensuring it reflects both legal requirements and the kind of company Zapp wants to be
- Manage employee relations with judgement and care - handling sensitive situations with discretion, fairness, and commercial awareness
- Oversee the HR Coordinator and ensure day-to-day people operations run without friction
- People Data and Insight
- Build and own the people metrics that matter - attrition, time to hire, engagement, headcount versus plan, and flight risk
- Present a regular people dashboard to the leadership team that surfaces what is working, what is not, and what decisions need to be made
- Use data to drive decisions, not just report them
Requirements
- Proven experience in a high-growth B2C, e-commerce, or technology business where pace and quality both mattered
- Strong organisational design instinct - you have restructured teams, redesigned roles, and built functions that did not exist before
- A credible, confident presence in a room with founders and senior leaders - you can give honest counsel without needing a hierarchy to hide behind
- Commercially minded - you understand that great people work drives business outcomes and you know how to make that case
- A builder, not a maintainer - you are energised by creating things from scratch and frustrated by bureaucracy for its own sake
- Experience managing or developing a small team
What You Will Not Find Here
- A large HR team to delegate to - this role requires someone who leads and does
- A business that confuses process with progress - we care about outcomes, not paperwork
- A culture that tolerates average - the bar at Zapp is high and the People & Performance Lead sets the standard for that more than almost anyone.
Benefits
- Competitive salary & equity package.
- Enjoy 25 days of holiday per year (plus all bank holidays).
- Private Health Insurance.
- Extended sick pay and maternity/paternity leave pay.
- Cycle to work scheme.
People & Performance Lead employer: Zapp
Zapp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and high standards are at the forefront. As a People & Performance Lead, you will have the opportunity to shape the organisational culture and drive meaningful change, all while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, private health insurance, and a commitment to employee growth. Join a passionate team dedicated to redefining convenience retail, where your contributions will directly impact the company's success and your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Performance Lead
✨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 Zapp!
✨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 Zapp.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Performance Lead
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 Zapp. 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 Zapp 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 Zapp. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Zapp'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 Zapp
✨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 Zapp.
✨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 Zapp 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 Zapp and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
