Group People Operations Lead

About VIRTUS Data Centres

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK's fastest-growing data centre provider, owning, designing, building, and operating the country's most efficient and flexible data centres.

We announced our plans to expand into continental Europe in May 2023, with our first data centre set to open in Berlin in 2026, followed by two full campuses and expansion into other countries in the pipeline.

Our purpose is to serve humanity by being an active, positive participant in the 4th industrial revolution. When we talk about our purpose, we refer to our customers' customers; the child playing a computer game, the person watching their favourite movie, booking a medical appointment, a plane ticket, a hotel, or doing their online banking; those things can't be done if we don't do our job.

Our mission is to consistently exceed the expectations of our customers through innovative, high-quality solutions and services. We employ intelligent thinkers, people with positive attitudes, who add to the quality of our customer proposition and business.

We value individual endeavour and initiative and encourage teamwork and togetherness because collective experience and expertise is VIRTUS' greatest strength.

Job Summary

As the Group People Operations Lead, you will lead the design, implementation, and optimisation of HR processes, employee experience, and ways of working across multiple European geographies where the company is establishing or scaling operations. You will oversee the entire employee lifecycle, including performance management, employee engagement, system implementation, data analytics, compliance, and corporate communications.

This senior role is crucial to driving People Operations strategy across diverse markets, ensuring consistency, scalability, and an exceptional employee experience. You will also take the lead on corporate communications, ensuring clear and effective messaging of People initiatives and key business updates across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership of People Operations:

• Develop and lead the execution of the People Operations strategy across all markets, aligning processes with business objectives and ensuring compliance and adaptability to local regulations and cultural contexts.
• Champion DE&I within People Operations, embedding inclusive practices into all HR processes from recruitment to offboarding and ensuring all activities reflect the company's commitment to equity and belonging.
• Drive the establishment and scaling of HR operations in new European markets, setting up effective, compliant processes that support rapid growth while maintaining global consistency.

Internal Communications Leadership:

• Lead internal communications across the organisation, ensuring the clear, consistent, and transparent delivery of People Operations initiatives, company updates, and key messages to all employees.
• Develop and implement communication strategies that engage employees across different geographies, using diverse channels (e.g. newsletters, intranet, town halls) to effectively reach all audiences.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to craft and deliver messages that align with company culture, strategic goals, and employee engagement priorities.

Delivery of People Operations Activities:

• Oversee the delivery of core HR processes, including performance management, employee engagement, and onboarding, ensuring these are executed effectively and consistently across all geographies.
• Lead, coach, and develop the People Operations team, ensuring they are equipped to provide first-line support and deliver an excellent employee experience tailored to diverse markets.
• Coordinate workload distribution and resource allocation, prioritising People Team initiatives to ensure efficient delivery and continuous improvement.

Employee Engagement and Experience:

• Design and implement initiatives that enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, fostering a positive, inclusive work culture aligned with business goals and regional nuances.
• Utilise employee feedback and engagement surveys to identify areas for improvement, develop targeted action plans, and track the impact of engagement initiatives.

Systems Implementation, Development, and Data Analytics:

• Lead the implementation and optimisation of HR systems across multiple regions, ensuring these systems support scalable processes and provide valuable data insights for strategic decision-making.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy within People systems, expanding reporting capabilities and automating tasks to enhance operational efficiency.
• Deliver actionable insights through monthly and quarterly analytics, tracking performance against KPIs and informing data-driven improvements in People Operations.

Policies, Processes, and Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and standardise People policies and processes across all geographies, ensuring alignment with company values, local compliance, and DE&I best practices.
• Regularly review and update HR policies to ensure they are inclusive, accessible, and reflect the diverse needs of the workforce.

Employee Relations and Legal Compliance:

• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues, working closely with People Partners to ensure cases are handled fairly, consistently, and in compliance with local laws and company policies.
• Establish governance frameworks within People Operations to proactively manage HR-related risks, including compliance, data security, and employee relations, ensuring a fair and ethical work environment.

Performance Management and Talent Development:

• Implement Group-wide performance management frameworks that drive high performance, support career development, and align with business strategy.
• Collaborate with Talent Development to create inclusive learning and development programmes that cater to diverse learning styles and support the growth of underrepresented groups.

Digital Transformation and HR Technology:

• Lead the digital transformation of People Operations, implementing technology solutions that automate routine tasks, enhance the employee experience, and improve process efficiency.
• Evaluate and integrate innovative HR technologies that support data-driven decision-making and streamline HR processes across multiple geographies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Change Management:

• Act as a key liaison between People Operations and other functions (e.g. Finance, IT, ESG, Marketing, Legal), ensuring seamless integration of HR processes with broader business operations.
• Lead change management efforts within People Operations, guiding employees and managers through transitions such as new system rollouts or policy changes with clear communication and support.

What Success Looks Like in 12 Months

1. People Operations successfully set up in Germany, processes working effectively and fully legally compliant.
2. Internal Communications principles and processes scoped, established, and working.
3. Automation and streamlining of internal processes and system optimisation.
4. Established as a leader and key contributor within the People & Organisation team.
5. You're enjoying your role and are happy at work.

Qualifications and Skills

1. Extensive experience in a senior People Operations or HR leadership role within a multinational environment, preferably within Europe.
2. Proven track record in setting up and scaling HR processes across diverse geographies with a strong focus on enhancing employee experience and operational efficiency.
3. Demonstrated ability to lead and influence at a strategic level with expertise in managing cross-functional teams and driving complex projects.
4. Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills with experience in driving effective corporate communications in the absence of a dedicated communications team.
5. Understanding of Agile mindset and ways of working.
6. Data-driven mindset with advanced analytical skills capable of leveraging insights to inform strategic HR decisions.
7. Deep understanding of DE&I best practices, employment laws, and HR compliance requirements across multiple European markets.

---