Head of Operations & HR (Maternity Cover)

About the company 

Standing on Giants is the world’s first agency for businesses that want to build a brand-owned, online community. We empower businesses to build thriving online communities that put their customers at the centre of everything they do. Born from the team that created the revolutionary community-led model at mobile disruptor giffgaff, Standing on Giants now works with leading businesses like Airbnb, Tesco Bank and Utilita, helping them launch successful communities that deliver real results. We are Khoros Kudos award-winners in 2020, recognising our work as Best-In-Class. 

We are proud to be the first online community company to attain B Corp Certification, meaning we ascribe to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. As a company, our vision is a world where business works for the benefit of people and planet, not just profit, powered by trusting and collaborative communities. As a result, we must take active steps towards this every day in our work. Our people are, therefore, of central importance. We have a range of employee benefits to enable you to do your job to the best of your ability and we pride ourselves on our supportive, open environment and shared efforts to keep our working practices as sustainable as possible.

About the role

The Head of Operations & HR is responsible for providing strategic and operational oversight across the Human Resources and Business Operations functions. This role ensures that HR practices align with business objectives and that operational standards promote organisational efficiency, compliance, and employee engagement.

While the Head of Operations & HR will maintain high-level oversight, a dedicated Business Operations Lead, along with an Operations Manager, will handle the day-to-day management of business operations and compliance. The Operations Manager will also support HR operations, assisting with processes that enhance HR efficiency and integration across the organisation. 

In this senior leadership position, the Head of Operations & HR will focus on employee relations, performance management, recruitment, and policy development, while supporting both the Business Operations Lead and Operations Manager in their areas of responsibility. Collaborating closely with senior management, this role will champion best practices in HR and operations, uphold compliance standards, and contribute to the company’s strategic goals. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in HR and business operations, with the ability to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organisation.

This role is a fixed term maternity cover position.

Responsibilities

Human Resources

• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution: Address employee concerns, manage workplace conflicts, and ensure clear communication of policies.
• Learning & Development: Design training programmes, coordinate upskilling, and lead leadership development initiatives.
• Performance Management: Oversee performance reviews, implement improvement plans, and identify development needs.
• HR Strategy & Policy: Develop HR policies aligned with legal standards and business goals, contributing to company growth.
• HR Operations: Manage recruitment, payroll, and employee records, oversee salary and benefits, and support parental leave arrangements.

Business Operations & Compliance

• Business Operations Oversight: Guide client contract reviews, insurance renewals, payment tracking, team travel arrangements, supplier management, and service desk support.
• Compliance & Training Coordination: Oversee team training on policies and security, ensure supplier compliance, and manage ISO 27001 certification.
• Strategic & Risk Oversight: Set compliance objectives, address risk management, uphold governance, and lead external audits with cross-department collaboration.

Requirements

• Deep understanding of HR policies, employment law, employee relations, payroll, and performance management.
• Ability to lead both HR and business operations, ensuring seamless integration across departments.
• Experience leading teams and driving initiatives across multiple functions.
• Familiarity with ISO 27001 standards and a track record of maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Ability to align HR and operational practices with overall business objectives.
• Proactive approach to conflict resolution and process improvement.
• Strong communicator, capable of handling sensitive information with integrity and professionalism.

Criminal and financial background checks will be conducted on the successful candidate. 

We are an Equal Opportunities employer, we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, or age. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Due to the high number of applicants, we are only able to respond to successful candidates.

Location

Location independent, with regular travel into London, UK