Head of People

Head Of People

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Head Of People based in Netherlands.

We are seeking an experienced People leader to build and guide a modern, high-impact HR function within a fast-growing, fully remote international business. Supporting a diverse group of creative teams across more than 15 countries, you will shape the employee experience while helping the organization scale through growth and acquisitions. You will act as a trusted advisor to employees, managers, and senior leaders, balancing consistent people practices with the flexibility needed to preserve each team's unique culture. From talent acquisition and organizational development to employee relations, compliance, and inclusion, you will oversee the full employee lifecycle. You will also leverage AI and technology to simplify HR services and create efficient, accessible processes. This is an opportunity to take ownership of the People agenda and make a lasting impact in an entrepreneurial, globally distributed environment.

Accountabilities:

• Represent and reinforce organizational values, helping shape a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture through all People practices.
• Lead the People agenda and serve as a central point of contact and trusted advisor for employees, managers, partners, and leadership.
• Build an efficient, accessible generalist People service, using AI and practical technology solutions to improve employee support and streamline everyday HR processes.
• Improve recruitment processes across the organization, developing approaches that attract creative and creator-economy talent and make hiring more effective.
• Partner with leaders on succession planning, talent development, and identifying and supporting high-potential employees.
• Design and implement culture-building initiatives that strengthen relationships, employee engagement, and cohesion across distributed teams.
• Develop and optimize employee lifecycle processes, including performance reviews, feedback mechanisms, rewards and recognition, and learning and development.
• Ensure a consistent, compliant, and welcoming onboarding experience for new employees, including scalable processes for acquisitions and post-acquisition integration.
• Develop and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that support an inclusive workplace.
• Review, design, and adapt HR policies and procedures to meet business needs and comply with local employment legislation.
• Ensure employment practices remain compliant across multiple countries and jurisdictions, with particular attention to international workforce requirements.
• Use HR technology and systems to improve operational efficiency and deliver a seamless employee experience.
• Support the integration of newly acquired teams while respecting their individual identities, working practices, and creative cultures.
• Manage and coordinate the People function's systems and tools, including HRIS, recruitment platforms, international employment solutions, freelancer management systems, and collaboration tools.

Requirements:

• At least 8 years of Human Resources experience at HR Business Partner level or equivalent, ideally in fully remote or hybrid international organizations.
• Proven experience supporting fast-growing businesses through organizational development, scalable HR processes, and culture-building initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of modern HR systems and technology, with the ability to create efficient employee experiences for a distributed workforce.
• Experience managing international employment matters, particularly across the UK, European, and North American markets.
• Familiarity with employer-of-record arrangements and the complexities of managing an international workforce.
• Experience supporting acquisitions and post-acquisition integration, including bringing new teams into an established organization while preserving their culture.
• Strong understanding of employment legislation and the ability to develop compliant HR policies across multiple jurisdictions.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage several priorities simultaneously and maintain strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work confidently with employees, managers, senior leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to handle confidential employee information with discretion, sound judgment, and integrity.
• A proactive, self-driven mindset, with the confidence to make decisions, take initiative, and lead projects independently.
• Positive, energetic, and adaptable approach, with enthusiasm for working in an agile and evolving environment.
• CIPD qualification, near qualification, or equivalent professional credentials.
• Bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Nice to have: Experience in media, digital content, or the creator economy.
• Experience working in a high-growth startup or entrepreneurial environment.
• Familiarity with managing freelance contractors and long-term service provider relationships.
• Experience supporting teams across multiple countries and time zones.
• Experience operating as a standalone or first dedicated People leader.

Benefits:

• Competitive annual salary of €100,000–€120,000, depending on experience, converted into the currency of the employee's country of residence.
• Fully remote working arrangement, with the flexibility to work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
• Technology allowance to support remote working.
• Flexible working hours suited to an internationally distributed team, primarily based in Western European time zones.
• Share option program.
• Opportunity to take ownership of important People initiatives and shape the function's development.
• Dynamic, entrepreneurial environment offering opportunities for professional growth and learning.
• Inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives, innovation, and positive change.
• Opportunities to participate in employee resource initiatives, social activities, and impact projects.