Head of People Operations

Since being founded in 2018, Copper has been building the standard for institutional digital asset infrastructure with a focus on custody, collateral management, and prime services.

Led by Amar Kuchinad, Copper's Global CEO, the firm provides a comprehensive suite of custody, trading and settlement solutions that reduce counterparty risk and bring greater capital and operational efficiency to digital asset markets. At the heart of Copper's offering is Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology – the gold standard in secure custody. Copper’s multi-award winning custody system is unique in that it can be connected to centralised exchanges, DeFi applications and even staking pools without the assets leaving the custody.

Built on top of this state-of-the-art custody, ClearLoop is the first solution in the market that overcomes a growing industry challenge; counterparty risk with exchanges. This solution underpins a full prime services offering, connecting global exchanges, and enabling customers to trade and settle directly from the safety of their MPC-secured wallets. By reducing settlement time for transfers to a few milliseconds (without blockchain network dependency) and offering enhanced security measures, ClearLoop is rapidly reshaping the way asset managers trade and manage capital.

In addition to industry-leading security certifications, Copper has one of the strongest insurance coverages in the industry from an A+ rated insurer, positioning the firm as the partner of choice for institutions seeking to safeguard their assets.

Job Purpose 

Reporting to the People Director the role of the Head of People joins a team of dedicated people focused experts responsible for continuously enhancing our great place to work. This hands-on role will work with senior managers to ensure efficient and effective HR processes, fostering a positive workplace culture, and supporting our company's growth by managing all aspects of human resources operations.  

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in HR, knowledge of European employment law, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for creating a supportive and productive work environment. 

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Development 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of HR professionals, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that aligns with company values. 
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for professional development.  

HR Operations Management 

• Oversee the daily operations of the HR department, including but not limited to, employee relations, HR compliance, payroll, benefits administration, and employee records management.  
• Develop and implement practice, culturally aligned HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and in country regulations.  
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of HR data and systems, maintaining confidentiality and security of employee information.  

Onboarding  

• Partner with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers overseeing the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring they receive a warm welcome and the necessary information to start their roles successfully.  
• Continuously improve the onboarding experience to enhance new hire integration and engagement.  

Employee Engagement and Retention 

• Champion Copper’s culture setting a balanced tone between innovation and risk-based decision making
• Develop and implement initiatives to improve employee engagement and satisfaction, including recognition programs, employee surveys, and team-building activities.  
• Address employee concerns and conflicts in a timely and effective manner, promoting a positive and productive workplace.  
• Manage employee relations activity, including grievances, investigations, disciplinaries, supporting managers and employees through capability and probation meetings
• Monitor and analyse employee key people metrics recommending and implementing strategies to improve retention.  

Performance Management  

• Oversee the performance management process, ensuring it aligns with company goals and encourages employee development.  
• Provide guidance and support to managers in conducting performance reviews, setting goals, and addressing performance issues.  
• Develop and implement training programs to support employee growth and development.  

Compensation and Benefits  

• Support the administration of compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive and aligned with company strategy.  
• Conduct regular market analysis to ensure the company’s compensation structure is competitive.  
• Provide guidance and support to employees regarding benefits and compensation-related inquiries.  

HR Analytics and Reporting  

• Utilise HR metrics and analytics to inform decision-making and improve HR processes.  
• Oversee regular reports on HR activities, including hiring, turnover, and employee engagement, for senior management.  
• Identify trends and areas for improvement, recommending and implementing solutions.  

Skills and Experience

Essential  

• Experience delivering best in class business partnering and generalist HR services to a medium sized business with exceptional results
• Exposure and knowledge of Financial services regulation
• 5+ years of experience in human resources, with at least 2 years in a leadership role 
• Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, and employment laws in the Europe and the UK
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.  
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organisation.  
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and MS Office Suite.  
• Ability to think differently, challenge process and demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills 
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.  
• Ability to operate in a people centred, commercial environment 
• Attention to detail  
• Highly motivated and ambitious with willingness to continuously learn 
• Experience in a start-up and/or fast paced environment 

Desirable 

• Degree or Certificate qualified HR professional, or relevant qualification  
• Experience and knowledge of global HR practices 
• Talent mapping, succession planning experience  

Copper is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunities in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. So, bring us your experience, perspectives, and skills. It is in our differences that we will continue to grow and ensure Copper is transforming how institutional investors engage with digital assets. Copper is a Disability Confident Employer, please let us know if you have a disability. If you require us to provide any assistance during the recruitment process, then we would ask you to highlight this to us and we will be happy to accommodate.