Head of People - EMEA - 12 Month Contract, Maternity Cover

About Optibus:

Optibus is a unified software platform revolutionizing public transportation planning, scheduling, and operations in over 6,000 cities worldwide. Using AI, ML, and optimization algorithms, it empowers agencies to design more efficient, equitable, and sustainable transit networks, enhancing passenger access, reducing emissions, and improving driver conditions. With offices globally and a team of 350+ employees, Optibus fosters a collaborative culture centered on innovation, determination, and impact. As the first unicorn in public transportation technology, Optibus is driving the modernization of mass transit to make it the preferred choice for cities and passengers alike.

About the position (role & team): 

We are looking for a passionate, strategic and driven Head of People to join our amazing Global People Team on a one-year fixed term contract (maternity cover). As a Head of People, you will lead our people strategy for the global Revenue team, focusing on culture and shaping a great employee experience. You will be part of our EMEA leadership team and support our employees across EMEA. This is a vital function for our HR team with potential for a longer-term contract for the right candidate. This role will report directly to the Chief People Office and will work closely with the Chief Revenue Officer as well as the EMEA based leadership team. 

As a People Team, we strive to maximize our employees’ potential and growth needs, while supporting and driving the company’s business goals. We design and own the entire employee life cycle starting from attracting and hiring top talent, developing employees, coaching managers, motivating and ensuring our people shine in the company and have an outstanding company experience. We have built a strong infrastructure to support our growth and adjust to our unique and open culture. We promote a diverse company, and actively drive initiatives to ensure equality, diversity and a supportive environment. 

Responsibilities: 

• Own the people function in the UK and over time, take on additional responsibility to oversee all the HR activities and processes in EMEA.
• Lead the people strategy for the global Revenue function, by working closely with Leadership to identify priorities for the business.
• Establish best practices and methods in all HR related areas, including: learning and development, communication, change management, WLB, people engagement, employee development, 1:1s etc.  
• Design and adjust global HR programs to fit the needs of the functional and departmental needs; implement and track to achieve success.  
• Model the culture and values of Optibus, including initiatives of open door, equality and D&I, and thrive to generate an outstanding employee experience by all applicable means. 
• Be the expert and the POC of UK (and eventually across EMEA) for all HR related aspects, including employment law, compensation & benefits, benchmarks, employee relations etc.
• Compile, analyze and capture insights from data to support business decisions.
• Always drive local employer branding - be active on social media, be in touch with potential talent and related ecosystem industry for mutual learning and collaboration. 
• Effectively nurture healthy communication and work relations between local office, Global geos and HQ.

• A bachelor degree in related areas, Master degree - preferred. 
• 5+ years of experience in similar role, in the hi-tech industry.
• Minimum 3 years experience within a global company.
• Strategic thinker and a data-driven professional with an open, inclusive and a growth mindset. 
• Passionate and motivated about people; Great at building relations and facilitates great work relations and atmosphere.
• Collaborator and a team-player.  
• Hands-on, strive to excel, detail oriented with a ‘can do’ attitude and high execution skills. 
• Has experience in hiring, building teams, coaching employees and managers, building and leading L&D solutions and setting HR infrastructures in a growing company.  
• Resilient, multi-tasker and has the ability to work in a dynamic environment and a fast growing company
• Experienced compensation and benefits practitioner (would be a plus)
• Independent, proactive and have good prioritization skills
• Additional languages (an advantage)

Optibus is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. It is our responsibility at Optibus to provide an inclusive and accessible interview experience for all. We will provide reasonable accommodations for all candidates in need of individualised support during the hiring process.