Head of People

Darwin Recruitment; Dublin; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head of People to own the People function in a fast-scaling technology organisation. You will build scalable HR foundations, strengthen employee experience, support managers, and ensure consistent people practices across multiple jurisdictions.

You will partner with leadership and Finance to develop effective processes, policies, and systems, while ensuring compliance with Irish HR requirements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years HR experience in scaling tech or high-growth environments.
• Experience managing HR operations across multiple countries or jurisdictions.
• Strong knowledge of employment contracts, HR compliance and employee relations.
• Experience with Irish employment legislation and HR compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to partner with Finance and leadership on workforce planning and compensation processes.
• Experience developing and improving HR processes, policies, and systems.
• Strong communication skills to advise and influence managers and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent judgement, discretion and ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Own the People function and build scalable HR foundations for a fast-scaling tech organisation.
• Partner with leadership, Finance and managers to develop effective people processes and culture.
• Lead compliance across jurisdictions and enhance employee experience and engagement.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Policy development

Communication

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/People Management

Job description

Head of People

Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on HR leader to take ownership of the People function and support the growth of a fast-scaling technology organisation. This role will focus on building scalable HR foundations, strengthening employee experience, supporting managers, and ensuring consistent people practices across multiple jurisdictions.

The successful candidate will partner closely with leadership, Finance, managers, and external advisors to develop effective people processes, enhance culture, and support the organisation through continued growth.

Experience & Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of progressive HR / People Operations experience, ideally within a scaling technology, engineering, R&D, or high-growth environment.
• Experience managing HR operations across multiple countries or jurisdictions.
• Strong knowledge of employment contracts, HR compliance, and employee relations processes.
• Experience with Irish employment legislation and HR compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to partner with Finance and leadership teams on workforce planning, budgets, approvals, and compensation processes.
• Experience developing and improving HR processes, policies, and systems in a growing organisation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to advise and influence managers and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent judgement, discretion, and ability to handle confidential employee information.
• Highly organised, resourceful, and comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced environment.

Desired

• Experience building HR operations from an early-stage environment into scalable, repeatable processes.
• Experience supporting recruitment operations, workforce planning, and managing external recruitment partners.
• Experience working with international teams and coordinating with external legal, payroll, benefits, or HR providers.
• Experience implementing performance management, compensation frameworks, and employee development processes.
• Familiarity with HR systems, people analytics, and data-driven decision-making.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Shenaaz Ahmed