VP/ Head of People & Organisation (m/f/d)

Our client operates at the forefront of software-defined defence, developing next-generation, software-centric capabilities that redefine how modern defence systems are built, deployed and scaled.

The company is deeply embedded within the defence ecosystem, with strong industry relationships and a highly technical, exceptionally accomplished team.

You will build the scalable organisational architecture of a high-growth, VC-backed defence technology company.

Working directly with the CEO & Founder, you will shape performance, leadership, team and culture at a strategic level.

You will be responsible for developing a high-performance, resilient organisation during a phase of dynamic growth. The role combines strategic organisational design with recruiting excellence and performance management.

Tasks

• Strategic sparring partner to the CEO on all organisational and people-related matters

• Design and implementation of a scalable organisational architecture with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes

• Development of first- and second-line leadership through structured leadership coaching

• Stabilisation of the organisation during growth phases through building a positive conflict culture and clearly defined alignment mechanisms

• Design and implementation of a company-wide performance management system with clear goal-setting frameworks and identification of performance gaps

• Introduction of structured feedback, review, and decision-making cycles across all organisational levels

• Leadership and scaling of the recruiting team based on clearly defined KPI models, with full ownership of leadership hiring and critical key positions

• Development and presentation of People KPI reporting for investors and the Board

Requirements

• Several years of experience as VP/Head of People or Head of HR

• Proven track record in building scalable organisational and performance structures within a VC-backed B2B scale-up

• Experience in building and leading recruiting teams, including leadership hiring

• Experience working in high-performance environments with rapid delivery cycles

• Confidence in working with investors and management boards

• Strong entrepreneurial mindset, decisiveness, and assertiveness

• Effective communicator with high analytical capability and a data-driven working style

Benefits

• Direct collaboration with the CEO & Founder (serial scale-up founder)

• Significant strategic ownership and creative latitude

• A key role in the company’s next growth phase

• Board-level visibility and impact