Introduction

Hawkwood are partnering with a high-growth B2B Software scale-up based in Antwerp, Belgium, in their search for a new VP People, reporting to the CEO, to lead their expansion from 75 to 250 employees.

This is a newly-created role and first-time VP People hire for this ambitious VC-backed SaaS scale-up.

About the company

Led by serial entrepreneurs with previous prior experience in building and selling tech companies, this business seems destined for an exciting journey. They have built a sophisticated software product solving a real problem facing a huge multi-billion industry. Recent societal and economic shifts have rendered the launch of this product very timely and, as such, our client are experiencing incredibly traction.

Having raised a Series A in 2022, this business is already cash-flow positive, but may look to close a Series B fundraise in the future to further accelerate their growth. They currently have employees based across Belgium and the UK, but plan to recruit within the US and other parts of Europe.

About the role

This is a newly-created role to spearhead the development of the People function within an ambitious, growing technology business.

Reporting to the CEO, the VP People will form part of the SLT and will lead, and further expand, the People & Talent Acquisition team.

This scale-up plans to grow from 75 to 250 people in the next 3 years, and these expansion plans will include entry in to new markets, including the US. Accordingly, your focus areas will encompass driving HR initiatives that resonate with the core values and their ambitious expansion goals. As well as ensuring the company is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of an evolving market, maintaining high levels of engagement, performance, development, and retention.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy that supports our rapid scale, focusing on leadership, management, and culture scaling in a global context
• Build and lead an international HR and recruiting team, aligning their talent strategies with their ambitious growth plans, particularly in global go-to-market teams, including the US
• Foster a vibrant, performance-driven culture that is in harmony with the scale-ups core values and international growth
• Enhance their employer brand within the global tech candidate market, attracting and integrating top talent seamlessly
• Work closely with the international leadership team to align and execute team performance and retention initiatives, including hiring strategy, compensation and benefits, and employee retention
• Design and spearhead developmental programs to promote both individual and organisational growth, adapting to diverse cultural dynamics
• Utilise data and analytics to inform strategic decisions, transforming insights into actionable plans
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships across the company, offering guidance and advice that aligns with business goals and strategies
• Create and implement processes and policies from scratch, adapting to the evolving needs of a high-growth international scale up
• Exhibit proficiency in managing change, communicating effectively within the company during rapid shifts
• Advocate for ethical decisions and actions, prioritising the well-being of the business and its individuals

About you

• Experience leading the People function in a tech scale-up on the journey from 50 to 300 employees approximately
• A strong HR Generalist with experience working in international companies; facing differences in employment law and local culture
• Experience working in, specifically, a B2B technology company, where building and optimising go-to-market teams was a key priority
• Experience supporting employees/working in the US is preferred
• Comfortable in a fast-changing, dynamic high-growth business
• The ability to build relationships with, and influence, a range of senior stakeholders
• Strong knowledge and experience of building high-quality, scalable People Operations; utilizing contemporary software tools
• A willingness to do some international travel, and do hybrid working from the Antwerp, Belgium, office