Head of People

Head of People

The ambition to deliver top-quartile performance can only be achieved with top people, in a culture where performance is openly discussed and growth is continuous. The Head of People leads that effort. The role ensures the organization attracts exceptional talent, develops people beyond what they thought possible, and embeds frameworks that make high performance tangible.

A small, highly engaged People team – consisting of an HR Business Partner, an HR Operations Officer, and a Recruiter – supports the business as a credible, hands-on partner. Team members are coached and developed to take ownership and operate at a high standard, creating a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the function itself. Close involvement in day-to-day work keeps execution on track and momentum high. The Head of People steps in personally when needed, whether supporting recruitment during peak periods or refining processes and building structures. Core HR processes, HRIS management, compensation and benefits oversight, and compliance are managed reliably, with HR analytics used to guide decisions and demonstrate impact. As Cenosco expands internationally, the function ensures new offices integrate smoothly, standards are applied consistently, and local context is respected. The Head of People reports directly to the CFO, Wouter Heikens.

At Cenosco, performance is not a checkbox; it is embedded into how people work every day. The Head of People sets the standard, designing systems that make development tangible and performance visible. Managers gain clarity on expectations, know how to give constructive feedback, and are equipped to coach their teams effectively. When growth or performance slows down, it is addressed directly, with support offered where possible and transitions handled decisively when needed. This way, high standards are reinforced through a culture of continuous feedback and learning, without creating a rigid up-or-out approach.

Impact and outcomes
Measurable success comes in several forms. Team leadership depth strengthens, internal mobility improves, and managers grow more confident in guiding their teams. The quality of hires rises, performance issues are resolved more quickly, and overall productivity and execution clarity increase, contributing directly to personal growth and higher output per employee. Employee engagement and satisfaction improve, reflected in rising NPS scores. At the same time, the People team evolves in maturity and influence, capable of supporting approximately 35 new hires per year while maintaining high standards and operates as a trusted strategic partner rather than a back-office function.

The ideal candidate has experience in fast-growing tech or SaaS organizations, particularly through periods of rapid scaling or cultural transformation. They join to drive strong, performance-oriented teams and create company value, rather than to build a corporate structure. Visibility, energy, and credibility are essential, combined with the confidence to address performance directly while remaining fair and engaging. Comfort in an international environment and the ability to navigate complexity without losing focus are key. Above all, this person thrives on building the systems, standards, and culture that allow Cenosco to perform consistently at its best, balancing long-term design with the pragmatism to act decisively when it matters most.