Interim VP of People / Head of People

About the Company

Pickle is a business enablement partner that supports growing companies with fractional, embedded, human-led help across the functions that keep operations running smoothly. Their services include executive support, administration, customer support, operations, bookkeeping, and HR.

The business works alongside founder-led and operator-led teams when they need additional capacity, better structure, or more hands-on support. People embed directly into client organisations and are expected to take real ownership rather than simply complete isolated tasks. The focus is on sound judgement, accountability, and consistent follow-through.

About the Role

This opportunity is with a fast-growing, profitable, remote-first technology company that serves the education sector and reaches millions of users each month. The role is a fixed-term maternity cover position for approximately 10 months, with a start expected in mid-July or as soon as the selected candidate is available. The position is UK remote, and only applicants based in the United Kingdom can be considered.

The compensation for this contract is £75,000 to £90,000 pro rata, depending on experience.

The organisation is looking for an experienced Interim VP of People / Head of People to lead the People function through a period of growth. This is a strong fit for a senior HR leader who thrives in fast-moving, entrepreneurial environments and is comfortable combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.

What You Will Do

Reporting to the CEO and partnering closely with the leadership team, you will oversee the full People agenda and help ensure continuity across people operations, culture, employee experience, performance, and compliance.

• Lead the People function across the organisation and ensure it operates effectively
• Work with the CEO and senior leadership on organisational design, workforce planning, and broader people initiatives
• Offer expert support on employee relations, performance management, and employment-related matters
• Own the People strategy and drive delivery across the employee lifecycle
• Keep all HR practices aligned with UK employment law and accepted HR standards
• Run performance review cycles and support existing development and progression frameworks
• Partner with managers on pay, benefits, and workforce planning decisions
• Help maintain a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture
• Look for practical ways to use AI and automation to streamline People processes and improve efficiency
• Ensure payroll and core People operations continue without disruption during the contract

What We Are Looking For

You should be an experienced People leader who is comfortable supporting scaling businesses where priorities can shift quickly. The role needs someone who can move easily between strategic discussions with senior stakeholders and the practical realities of day-to-day HR delivery.

• Practical, commercially aware, and comfortable working in a hands-on way
• Able to work independently in a fully remote setting
• Calm under pressure, adaptable, and well organised
• Committed to creating positive employee experiences and healthy workplace culture
• Interested in new technology and keen to use AI to improve People operations

Required Experience

• At least 3 years of experience as a Head of People, VP of People, or senior HR leader
• Background leading a People function in a high-growth technology, SaaS, startup, or scale-up environment
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, including GDPR, IR35, and statutory employment requirements
• Proven ability to handle complex employee relations issues such as disciplinary matters, grievances, and performance management
• Experience working directly with executive-level leadership teams
• Prior use of AI tools or automation to improve HR processes would be a strong advantage
• Experience in remote-first organisations is helpful

Benefits and Contract Details

• Salary of £75,000 to £90,000 pro rata
• Fully remote role within the UK
• Flexible hours with core collaboration hours
• Pension scheme
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Life insurance
• Enhanced family leave benefits
• Annual learning and development budget, pro rata
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance, pro rata
• Collaborative, people-first environment with regular virtual and in-person team events

Recruitment Process

• Introductory chat with Pickle
• Initial interview with the team
• Short take-home task or case study
• Final competency-based interview
• Informal conversation with executive leadership

Diversity and Inclusion

Pickle People says it values a diverse workforce and aims to build an inclusive workplace. The organisation is committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of race, culture, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief, and it encourages diversity of thought. Candidates are invited to share diversity information voluntarily to help the company understand its recruitment process; any data submitted is anonymous.

Additional Information

This is a maternity cover contract. The position is for roughly 10 months and is intended for a UK-based candidate who can work remotely. The role requires flexibility, independence, and the ability to support a leadership team in a fast-scaling business.