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
• Travel Requirement: ~30% travel, including regular time in Munich (approx. one week per month) and occasional travel to other European offices (e.g. France) for leadership meetings and company offsites.

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

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