Head of People Operations

Kooth plc

Head of People Operations leading HR strategy and systems for a hybrid team across UK and US. Driving performance and employee experience through People Operations initiatives.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeLondon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomLead💰 £70,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in People Operations strategy, HRIS management, and compliance with UK and US employment legislation. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, enhance employee experience, and utilize data analytics for informed decision-making.

Highest-signal resume keywords

People Operations LeadershipHRIS Management (Rippling)UK and US Employment LawData Analytics and ReportingCIPD or SHRM Accreditation

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

HRIS ImplementationProcess AutomationPayroll ManagementBenefits AdministrationEmployee Data Governance

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsStakeholder ManagementProject ManagementStrategic ThinkingTeam Leadership

Tools & Technologies

RipplingAI Automation ToolsPeople Analytics Software

Certifications & Qualifications

CIPD AccreditationSHRM Accreditation

Industry Keywords

Employee ExperienceComplianceContinuous ImprovementCross-Functional CollaborationHealth and Safety Legislation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and deliver the People Operations strategy, ensuring it supports business objectives, growth and employee experience across the UK and US.
Set the priorities, operating model and service standards for the People Operations function.
Own the HRIS (Rippling) and key People systems across the UK and US, acting as the subject matter expert.
Continuously improve user experience and adoption of HR systems by automating processes, simplifying workflows, integrating systems, increasing self-service, and using AI where it adds value.
Manage relationships with system vendors and implementation partners, including contracts, service levels and budgets, ensuring value for money.
Own end-to-end payroll accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across UK and US, including third-party payroll providers/vendors and annual tax documents.
Oversee benefits administration including assessing plan design, managing broker/vendor relationships and renewals for both UK and US plans.
Coordinate employee communications and education around benefits.
Partner with Finance to administer variable compensation plans.
Lead, develop and inspire a team of three People Operations Generalists supporting employees across the UK and US.
Build a high-performing team through clear objectives, coaching, feedback and development.
Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Ensure the team has the skills and resources to meet changing business needs and deliver an excellent employee experience.
Ensure accurate, well-governed People data across HR systems through effective controls and audit processes.
Ensure compliance with UK and US employment legislation, GDPR and US data privacy, and internal governance requirements.
Provide people analytics and reporting that support business decisions and workforce planning.
Develop reporting standards and dashboards that provide timely, accurate insights for business leaders.
Lead health and safety across the UK and US, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and a safe working environment.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven experience leading a People Operations function and developing high-performing teams.
Experience supporting employees and leaders across both the UK and US, with the ability to work effectively across teams and time zones.
Strong experience owning and managing HR systems, including HRIS implementations, automation, and continuous process improvement.
Strong knowledge of UK and US employment law, regulatory requirements, data governance, and payroll controls.
Experience using automation and AI to simplify processes, improve efficiency, and reduce manual work.
Strong people data and reporting capability, with experience identifying and communicating trends across areas such as attrition, absence, performance, and engagement.
Experience designing, reviewing, or managing employee benefits and reward programmes using relevant market data.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, practical guidance.
Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Strong project management, strategic thinking, and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands.
High levels of adaptability, flexibility, resilience, and attention to detail.
CIPD or SHRM accreditation is required.
Experience working with Rippling is highly preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, in addition to public holidays, providing you ample time to recharge and spend quality moments with your loved ones.
Professional Development: Benefit from our yearly professional training programmes, tailored to your career aspirations and designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Financial Security: Secure your financial future with our pension contributions and annual company share option awards, giving you a stake in the success of the company.
Health and Well-being: Prioritize your health and well-being with our comprehensive AXA Health Insurance and access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). The EAP offers 24/7 telephone mental health support and access to GP consultations, ensuring your mental and physical health are taken care of.
Life Assurance: Gain peace of mind knowing that you're covered with life assurance, providing up to four times your annual salary to your loved ones in the unfortunate event of your passing.
Flexible Working: Embrace the flexibility of remote working, allowing you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs and maximizes your productivity.
Lifestyle Benefits: Participate in the Cycle to Work Scheme, promoting a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle, and take advantage of our Incapacity Income Protection to safeguard your financial stability in case of unforeseen circumstances.