Head of People Operations

About us:

Luno is the crypto investment app you can rely on, enabling you to buy, store and explore crypto securely. We’re committed to putting the power of cryptocurrency in everyone's hands sensibly and responsibly.

Since 2013, we’ve helped millions of people around the world invest safely in crypto. We do this by cutting through the hype and supporting customers at every step of the way. All products and cryptocurrencies on our platform must first meet stringent legal, risk and technical security standards.

Transparency is key for us. Luno stores all crypto on a 1:1 basis and we have rigorous processes in place so you can be confident your investment is secure. We’re available in more than 40 countries around the world and we work closely with respective regulators in all of these markets to be fully compliant, as we believe this is the best way to help everyone, everywhere, invest safely.

The role in a nutshell:

To build a scalable, tech-enabled engine room for the People team.

Your mission will be:

• Oversee Global Payroll, Benefits, and HRIS (HR Information Systems) management.

• Own the People Tech Stack (HRIS, Payroll, ATS). Shift the department from manual workflows to self-service models, reducing administrative friction for managers and employees.

• Own the People data strategy, providing the business with real-time organisational health metrics to provide actionable insights.

• Accountable for global governance & risk. Oversee the People Operations team to ensure 100% legal and regulatory adherence across multiple jurisdictions.

- Success Metrics:

• Reduction in manual HR processing time via automation.

• 100% payroll and compliance accuracy.

The ideal candidate will have:

- Experience & Leadership

• 10+ years in HR Operations, People Ops, or Business Operations, with at least 4 years leading a global operations function.

• Deep experience managing multi-jurisdictional compliance, payroll, and labour law across the UK, Africa and SEA.

- Systems & Technology

• Expert-level experience in selecting, implementing, and optimising a global HRIS and ensuring it integrates seamlessly with the broader tech stack.

• A digital-first mindset with a track record of replacing manual spreadsheets with automated workflows and employee self-service (ESS) portals.

• Advanced capability in people analytics; the ability to build automated organisational health dashboards that track turnover, tenure, and cost-to-hire in real-time.

- Compliance, Payroll & Governance

• Experience overseeing complex, multi-currency payroll cycles and statutory benefits in emerging markets.

• Strong knowledge of global data protection laws and the ability to manage internal audits.

• Experience negotiating and managing high-value contracts with global EOR (Employer of Record), payroll, and insurance providers.

- Total Reward Strategy

• Proven experience designing and managing global grade structures and benchmarking across diverse economic regions.

• Expertise in managing both Short-Term Incentives and Long-Term Incentives, ensuring they drive the right behaviours.

- Benefits & Wellness

• Experience tailoring benefits packages that are competitive in local markets while maintaining a global baseline of care.

- Analytical Mastery

• Strong experience in modeling the financial impact of annual salary increases or promotion cycles on the bottom line.

• Proficiency in conducting Pay Equity Audits to ensure the organisation remains compliant and ethical regarding the gender and diversity pay gap.

- Core Competencies

• A data-driven approach to problem-solving; you value accuracy and clean data above all else.

• The ability to remain calm and systematic under the pressure of high-stakes deadlines (like monthly payroll or year-end reporting).

• A natural inclination to find the shortest path to a result by removing administrative friction.

Life at Luno:

• Remote but reachable work policy gives you the freedom to choose between working from home or the office.

• Plus the option to buy and sell up to 5 days leave

• Improve body and mind, with excellent private medical insurance

• Access to Learnably and our additional learning platforms for your personal and professional development

• 6 months primary care-giver leave

• Paw-ternity leave for your furry friend

• Annual Inspiration Day in addition to your annual leave which increases based on your length of service!

• A collaborative, friendly work community, with regular social events and virtual cooking, dancing, drawing and house planting classes hosted by our Lunauts

• Free lunch and snacks

• 0 fees up to a certain amount with Luno from the day you start.*

*Offer only available on Luno Instant Buy, not Luno Exchange.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.