The Head of HR will lead the HR function to define, implement, and assure a world class HR service for our growing and distributed global team. Taking a lead role in the creation, implementation and maintenance of HR policies and processes, the role is highly ‘customer focused’, and will require someone who is not afraid of change and who embraces the opportunity to drive programs and initiatives with visibility across the whole organisation. Although based in Europe, the role will cover all global activities, and will be supported by a small team of regional HR leads in countries where the scale demands it. Therefore, flexibility to travel and experience of policies and standard practices in a variety of countries are essential for the role. The role will require someone able to operate at multiple levels, with a strong focus internally in Velocix, supporting and working with managers at different levels of the organisation (including peers on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT)). You will also be someone who can extend their view to the wider group of companies to contribute to best practices, share lessons learned, and play a role in the ongoing evolution of the group. Responsibilities Develops organization strategies by identifying and researching human resources issues; contributing information, analysis, and recommendations to organization strategic thinking and direction; establishing human resources objectives in line with organizational objectives. Implements human resources strategies by establishing department accountabilities, including talent acquisition, staffing, employment processing, compensation, health and welfare benefits, training and development, records management, safety and health, succession planning, employee relations and retention, compliance, and labour relations. Supports management by providing human resources advice, counsel, and decisions. Analyses information and applications. Guides management and employee actions by researching, developing, writing, and updating policies, procedures, methods, and guidelines; communicating and enforcing organization values. Complies with statutory requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions. Work to promote the company’s Purpose, Vision and Values internally within Velocix, and help encourage key branding messages and brand identity. Partner with senior managers in the business with all issues related to employee management (including hiring, talent development, coaching, exiting employees etc). Drive the implementation of the performance management methodology, and key processes such as annual appraisals, employee feedback surveys, compensation reviews etc. Help define and drive employee engagement strategies and activities to improve the employee experience and overall retention. Work with the Group HR Director and ensure alignment on HR strategies, procedures, tools, and processes. Define and own Velocix HR, policies and procedures in each jurisdiction. A range of operational tasks supporting employee relations: Create and administer employment contracts. Integrate, on-board, and support new hires and their hiring managers. Quality control of job descriptions and recruitment process/effectiveness. Perform compensation benchmarking. Provide consultation for addressing employee issues and concerns. Work with the SLT (when applicable) to resolve performance and disciplinary issues. Oversee best practice employment terminations as necessary. Key Skills & Competencies We are seeking an experienced HR professional who is self-motivated, a critical thinker, influential, diplomatic, and very business savvy. This role is equally HR-focused and business-based, and is very well-suited to people who can ‘see the big picture’ and then execute on all the steps that need to be taken over time to work toward continued company growth and achievement of corporate goals. Proven track record of building strong working relationships with business and human resource partners while fostering a cooperative work environment. Thorough knowledge of UK employment law with international experience in Portugal, US and India an advantage. Experienced with global labour laws, and able to quickly understand and advise on the legal implications of other countries of operation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficient using HR software (all group companies use Workday) Ability to maintain confidentiality and remain objective while working with sensitive and confidential materials. Supports staff and can develop a strong HR team over the long-term. Work Experience Requirements A proven track record of progressive Human Resources experience. Human Resources certification (CPHR) is preferred, or equivalent HR education. Experience of HR policies and practices on a global level. Experience in UK, India, North America and Portugal would be a particular advantage. Experience working in highly technical, software development businesses is desirable. Has previously built or managed a small team of HR professionals. Has successfully defined and delivered complex change management programs. Experience working for companies across a range of sizes, and the associated differences in cultures and working practices would be very advantageous. Must be experienced working internationally and collaborating with colleagues geographically dispersed across many countries and cultures. An experienced facilitator and mediator at different levels of an organization. Has gained comfort (even a passion) for working in dynamic and at times high pressure/high intensity environments.