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

Description

Job Overview

• Role: VP/ Head of People & Organisation (m/f/d)
• Company: Defence Recruiting
• Location: Berlin
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Category / Department: HR
• Salary: Competitive / Not Disclosed — confirm during interview
• Key Skills / Technologies: HR
• Listing Source: Arbeitnow

Job Description

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

Find more English Speaking Jobs in Germany on Arbeitnow

Salary & Compensation

The salary for this position has not been publicly disclosed. Compensation is typically determined based on your experience, skills, and interview performance. Use your research on industry benchmarks and the cost of living in the role's location to negotiate effectively.

In addition to base salary, many employers in this sector offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Annual or performance-based bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Provident Fund (PF) and Gratuity contributions (India)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), sick leave, and public holidays
• Professional development budget and learning allowances
• Stock options or Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) at select companies
• Flexible or remote working allowances
• Parental leave and family health coverage

Note: The specific benefits offered by this employer should be confirmed during the offer stage. Not all benefits listed above may apply to every organisation or role type.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site / Full-Time

This is an on-site, full-time position. You will be expected to report to the office or designated work location during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Some companies offer flexible start and end times or occasional work-from-home days at the manager's discretion. The company fosters a collaborative environment with open workspaces, dedicated meeting rooms, and structured team events.

Typical Interview Process

While each organisation structures its hiring differently, candidates for this type of role typically go through the following stages:

1. Resume screening by HR leadership
2. Introductory call with a recruiter or HR manager
3. Situational and behavioral interview (STAR format)
4. Assessment of HR tools and process knowledge
5. Final round with department head or CHRO
6. Background verification and offer

Tip: Prepare STAR-format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers for common HR scenario questions.

About the Employer

Defence Recruiting is the organisation posting this opportunity. While full company details are available on the original job listing, here is what you should research before applying:

• Company size and culture: Review the company's LinkedIn profile, Glassdoor reviews, and their official website to understand team size, work culture, and employee satisfaction.
• Products and services: Familiarise yourself with what the company builds, sells, or delivers. Being knowledgeable about their offerings will set you apart during interviews.
• Recent news: Search for any recent fundraising, acquisitions, product launches, or leadership changes — these often come up in interviews and signal company health.
• Location and offices: The role is based in or around Berlin. Confirm office address, remote policy details, and travel requirements during the process.
• Where this listing was found: This job was sourced from Arbeitnow.

How to Apply & Preparation Tips

To apply for the VP/ Head of People & Organisation (m/f/d) position, follow these steps:

1. Tailor your resume: Customise your CV to match the specific requirements listed in the job description. Use keywords from the posting to pass Applicant Tracking System (ATS) filters.
2. Write a compelling cover letter: Even if not mandatory, a concise cover letter demonstrating your enthusiasm and fit for the role significantly improves your chances.
3. Apply via the original listing: Use the apply link on the original job post to submit your application. Avoid applying through third-party channels that may delay or lose your submission.
4. Prepare for phone screening: Be ready for an initial call within 3–7 business days of applying. Have your resume and a quiet space ready.
5. Follow up professionally: If you haven't heard back in 7–10 business days, a brief, polite follow-up email to the recruiter is acceptable and often appreciated.

Key skills relevant to this role include: HR. Ensure these are prominently featured on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Disclaimer: This listing is aggregated from a public job board for informational purposes. JobSetuu does not guarantee the accuracy or current availability of this position. Always verify the details on the employer's official careers page before applying.