Chief People Officer (CPO)

At RIFT we are redefining the future of energy with our breakthrough Iron Fuel Technology – a clean, circular, and scalable energy solution. With a team of more than 60 passionate professionals, we combine technical innovation with practical decisiveness and push to scale up while making a lasting impact. 

 
Our mission: decarbonize industrial heat in a way that works. This is only achievable with smart, passionate people who want to build something bigger and truly want to make a difference - just like you. 

Your role: more than just providing direction 

In preparation for our next phase of growth, we are looking for an experienced, future-focused Chief People Officer (CPO) to strengthen our management team. This is a unique opportunity to help build our HR foundation that will enable you to shape a strong team and make a direct impact on the energy transition.  

As CPO, you are the architect of RIFT’s People-strategy, directly influencing our startup journey.  

You lead recruitment, shape our culture and build a world-class HR team that supports sustainable growth. You are hands-on where needed, but always with a strategic view to ensure that our people, processes, and core values evolve side by side.

You: 
 

• Develop and implement RIFT’s People-strategy aligned with business goals and our current phase of growth. 

• Lead talent acquisition, attracting top talent in a competitive and fast-moving market. 

• Build and manage a strong, agile people team that supports the growth of RIFT. 

• Create and implement Learning & Development, Career Development, and Leadership Development frameworks. 

• Stimulate operational excellence in all HR processes. 

• Play an active role in the Management Team, contributing to company-wide strategic decisions.  

• Collaborate closely with the RIFT Culture Team to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and values-driven workplace. 

• Develop and monitor compliance and forward-thinking in health & safety practices. 

• Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. 

• Lead the People-team; made up of a HR Business Partner, two Corporate Recruiters and a HR officer. 

What do you bring? 
 

• Minimum 7 years experience in a similar role, ideally within a fast growing (deep) tech-environment. 

• The ability to switch between strategy and operation when necessary. 

• Knowledge and experience in the area of recruitment, HR operations, rewards, learning & development and leadership development. 

• Experience building and leading a HR team in a growth phase. 

• Knowledge of health and safety frameworks and their integration within an organizational culture. 

• You have a natural way of collaborating, are a connector and culture builder, and can communicate easily with a wide range of stakeholders. 

• You have an excellent command of the Dutch and English language. 

What do we offer? 
 

• At RIFT, you contribute to a sustainable future and help shape an organizational culture that revolves around trust, ownership and impact 

• Fun and passionate colleagues in a culture that values growth, perseverance, and achieving things together 

• We believe in sharing our success. Our SAR scheme means that you profit from our success - the greater the impact, the greater your reward 

• 25 vacation days with the option to purchase more 

• A solid pension plan to support your future 

• Strong ideas are born out of strong teams, so we regularly organise fun and inspiring activities. Think running a marathon together, our fuel for thought sessions (inspiring talks from guest speakers) and cycling the Gran Fondo Brabant. Will you be organizing the next initiative?

Apply now 
Are you ready to bring together people and organization in a startup with global ambition? Then we’d love to hear from you.

Recruitment agencies: we kindly ask you not to reach out regarding this vacancy.