The Head of People & Operations provides senior operational oversight across the organisations support functions, ensuring stability, coordination, and sound operational discipline.

The role oversees:

• People & HR administration
• Recruitment support
• Accounts oversight (technical review)
• Compliance
• Facilities, reception, office operations
• IT support (within operations)

In addition, the role contributes practical operational input into product and strategic discussions, grounded in feasibility and execution.

Key Responsibilities

People & HR Operations (Immediate Priority)

• Take over HR administration following the departure of the HR Manager.
• Ensure continuity of onboarding, offboarding, leave management, probation tracking, and policy compliance.
• Support line managers with HR processes, documentation, and employee-related matters.
• Maintain consistent application of people policies and procedures.

Recruitment Support

• Support hiring managers with recruitment administration.
• Coordinate screening processes, interview scheduling, and reference checks.
• Ensure recruitment processes run smoothly and professionally.

Technical Oversight of Accounts

• Provide senior-level technical oversight of the accounts function.
• Review management accounts, reconciliations, journals, and payroll postings for accuracy.
• Ensure strong financial controls and reliable month-end processes.
• Work closely with the accounts team to maintain financial discipline.
• Note: This role does not perform day-to-day bookkeeping.

Operational & Support Services Oversight

• Oversee facilities, reception, office administration, and IT support (within operations).
• Ensure internal services, systems, and vendors operate smoothly and reliably.

Compliance & Policy Discipline

• Ensure consistent application of policies across HR, finance, IT, and operations.
• Maintain compliance documentation and audit readiness.
• Support adherence to internal controls and governance standards.

Product & Strategic Support

• Provide practical operational input into product initiatives and internal projects.
• Participate in senior management discussions, contributing insights based on operational realities.

Experience & Skills Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years experience in operations, HR, finance, or general management roles.
• Proven experience overseeing HR operations and people processes.
• Strong accounting literacy, with experience overseeing financial processes and reviewing accounts.
• Experience in established SME or professional environments preferred.
• Able to learn and operate effectively within existing systems and processes.

Critical Attributes

• Comfortable stepping into a newly created role with existing processes.
• Able to absorb complexity and learn systems quickly.
• Strong operational judgement and attention to detail.
• Collaborative senior management style.
• Calm, pragmatic, and structured in approach.
• Relationship-driven and respectful of institutional knowledge.
• Long-term mindset.