Head of people

Planck, an Applied Systems Inc. company, is revolutionizing the insurance market with its advanced use of Generative AI (GenAI). Our state-of-the-art platform turns unstructured data into real-time, actionable insights, enabling insurance companies to make smarter, faster decisions. We are uniquely positioned at the forefront of the industry, driving significant advancements and delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Joining Planck means working in a dynamic startup environment while benefiting from the resources and maturity of a market leader like Applied Systems. We foster an inclusive culture that supports professional development and work-life balance. At Planck, you'll be at the cutting edge of technology, and shaping the future of insurance while advancing your career within the larger framework of Applied Systems.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced People leader to head the local People team at Planck. About a year after the acquisition, we enjoy the best of both worlds, operating with the spirit and agility of a startup, while having the backing of a strong and successful global company.

This is a matrix role, reporting directly to the global People function in the US, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the local business leader in Israel. The Head of People will lead the local People team and hold overall responsibility for all People domains in Israel, while serving as a key partner in integrating Applied's global People processes and culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the local People team in Israel comprised of a People Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Partner and Employee Experience Specialist.
• Own all People domains for Planck, including talent acquisition, employee experience & welfare, learning & development, performance management, manager support, and compensation.
• Partner with senior leadership to design and implement strategies that support business objectives and growth. Provide thought leadership and strategic insights to client leaders on people-related considerations that support and align with business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with managers, providing coaching and guidance on people-related matters; Provide performance management guidance to managers, including coaching, counseling, career development, performance, improvement plans, and as needed, decisions to terminate employment.
• Support the integration of People processes into Applied Systems, ensuring alignment of policies, processes, and culture.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives and foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture; Implement and support company-wide employee engagement initiatives, localizing them as needed; Work closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partner with the legal department as needed/required.
• Analyze trends and metrics in partnership with the People Operations Team to develop solutions, programs and policies; provide reporting on HR metrics to client leaders.
• Partner with business leadership, Talent Acquisition, Finance, and Compensation teams to align recruitment goals with business needs and budget. Provide strategic guidance throughout the hiring process — from workforce planning and headcount management to recruitment strategy, hiring decisions, and offers — ensuring effective, data-driven, and compliant talent practices.
• Modify and implement talent strategies and create sustained solutions for talent related opportunities and challenges including the next generation of leaders through talent management, and succession and development planning.
• Provide guidance and input on business unit organizational design, restructuring and workforce planning, including communications and change management support.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of proven experience in People/HR leadership roles, preferably in tech/AI/global companies, including managing and developing a People Team.
• Strong understanding of people's processes and best practices across the employee lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to design, lead, and implement people's strategy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking with a hands-on approach.
• Successful track record of working and thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced and changing environment that is results-oriented and collaborative.
• High level of English (written and spoken).
• Experience leading the People function at the local site of a US-based company. Ideally, a startup that has been acquired is an advantage.