At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People function and partner with executives to shape company culture and strategy.
- Company: A dynamic, VC-backed B2B tech scale-up with a fully remote team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, stock options, private health, and more.
- Other info: Enjoy regular company offsites and a transparent compensation structure.
- Why this job: Join a respected team and make a real impact on company culture and growth.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in People roles, with experience in global employment and modern HR systems.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Fully remote position with a competitive salary, bonus, stock options, private health, and other benefits.
Zazu Digital Talent is conducting this search on behalf of a long-standing client: a VC backed, founder-led B2B technology scale-up with a fully distributed team spanning dozens of countries. The culture is designed to maintain strong connections despite distance, with values integrated into performance reviews, compensation, promotions, and regular in-person offsites for the entire company.
The role: You will own the People function end to end and act as the strategic partner to the executive team on all people-related matters, including organisational design as the company scales. The function is already established and respected, featuring structured salary bands, a transparent compensation philosophy, career frameworks, manager enablement, and a modern HR stack with significant automation. You will inherit momentum rather than needing to turn around a struggling function. Your responsibility is to run it effectively, scale it, and enhance its operations. You will lead one direct report who manages day-to-day people operations.
What you'll own:
- People strategy and executive partnership, including organisational design
- Performance management: review cycles, calibration, and fostering a no-surprises performance culture
- Compensation management: band architecture, transparency, and compensation cycles
- Global employment and compliance: managing direct entities, EOR and contractor models across various countries, GDPR, and country-specific employment matters
- People budget and vendor management: payroll oversight, benefits renewals and negotiations, and cost discipline in collaboration with Finance
- Manager enablement and leadership development across a distributed team
- Culture and engagement initiatives: surveys, internal communications, recognition programmes, and company offsites
What you'll need:
You should embody two key aspects: the culture carrier, capable of engaging an audience at All Hands meetings, hosting company offsites, and fostering connections among a largely remote workforce; and the governance operator, experienced in multi-country employment (ideally EOR models), GDPR compliance, pay transparency regulations, payroll oversight, and benefits budgeting, with Finance and Legal treating you as a peer.
Additionally, you should have 8+ years of experience in People roles, with at least 3 years leading a function, preferably in a distributed or global scale-up. You should possess hands-on fluency with a modern HR stack and a genuine interest in AI and automation, demonstrating a proactive approach to improving systems.
What's on offer:
A global, remote company that brings everyone together multiple times a year, offering transparent, structured compensation that you will manage. You will inherit a People function with existing momentum, not a rescue job, along with real executive access and the authority to influence how the company scales.
Senior Director of People & Culture in Cambridge employer: Zazu Digital Talent
Join a forward-thinking B2B technology scale-up that champions a fully remote work culture while fostering strong connections through regular in-person offsites. With a commitment to transparency and structured compensation, this role offers you the opportunity to lead a respected People function and drive meaningful change in a dynamic environment. Enjoy competitive salary packages, stock options, and comprehensive health benefits, all while being part of a vibrant team that values innovation and employee growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director of People & Culture in Cambridge
✨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 Zazu Digital Talent!
✨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 Zazu Digital Talent.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director of People & Culture in Cambridge
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 Zazu Digital Talent. 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 Zazu Digital Talent 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 Zazu Digital Talent. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Zazu Digital Talent'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 Zazu Digital Talent
✨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 Zazu Digital Talent.
✨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 Zazu Digital Talent 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 Zazu Digital Talent and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
