At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead People Operations, manage employee relations, and drive performance processes.
- Company: Join Entrepreneurs First, a pioneering talent investor shaping the future of startups.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous vacation, and a vibrant workspace in East London.
- Other info: Opportunity for ownership and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the startup ecosystem while working with ambitious minds.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in HR, strong people skills, and international experience required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Contract type: 12-month fixed-term from beginning of January 2027
Location: Required in our Hoxton office at least two days per week
About Entrepreneurs First
Entrepreneurs First invests in exceptional individuals to build startups from scratch. We exist to amplify ambition, alter career trajectories, and shape the future. We find exceptional talent, to form exceptional teams, to build exceptional companies. We’ve backed thousands of founders at the earliest stage, creating >$11B in value.
The Role
As the leading talent investor, EF is a people-focused business. Our 110-strong team of employees and network partners is dedicated to maximising the success of our founders, our community, and the startup ecosystems we operate in. Reporting to our COO, this 12-month fixed-term role will lead the People Operations team and strategy at Entrepreneurs First. You’ll be a trusted partner to our global and local leadership teams, helping deliver people projects and initiatives as we scale and strive to become a Tier 1 firm.
What You'll Do
- Manage employee relations: Be the go-to person for employee relations across EF, helping managers navigate everything from performance and conduct issues to grievances and more complex people situations.
- Lead EF’s performance processes: Own EF’s existing performance process end-to-end, making sure each cycle runs smoothly and on time.
- Oversee our cash incentives strategy: Own EF’s existing cash incentive processes, ensuring they are benchmarked against the market and aligned with our compensation policy.
- Champion employee engagement: Keep a close eye on employee engagement across EF, making sure we have a good understanding of how our people are feeling and where there are opportunities to improve.
- Partner with leadership on workforce planning: Work with leadership and Finance on workforce planning, progression and succession.
- Manage the People Ops Analyst: Manage and support the People Ops Associate who manages the day-to-day employee lifecycle.
Who this role is not for
- You don’t like getting into the details.
- You prefer to work behind the scenes.
- You prefer alignment over debate.
- You need everything to be clearly defined.
Who you are
- People experience: At least 8+ years’ experience in People/HR, with a strong track record across the full employee lifecycle and employee relations.
- International experience: Experience working with employees across at least two of our jurisdictions (UK, France, India and the US).
- People-focussed: Genuinely interested in people and motivated by building strong relationships.
- Strategic & tactical: Comfortable switching between the bigger picture and the detail.
- Commercially minded: Able to balance what’s right for our people with what’s right for the business.
- High attention to detail: Meticulous in managing people processes, records and data.
- Strong communicator: Clear, confident verbal and written communicator.
- High ownership: Thrives in a high-trust, low-touch environment.
- Team player: Enjoys working collaboratively in a small team.
What We Offer
- Ownership: The chance to shape and grow this role based on your ideas.
- Meritocracy: People at EF progress based on ambition and success rather than length of tenure.
- Vibrant Workspace: A buzzing East London office filled with ambitious minds.
- Competitive Benefits: Attractive salary with performance-based incentives.
The interview process
We’re aiming for the hire to be in the role by the beginning of January:
- Initial call with Sarah Brooks, Head of People (30 mins)
- Task round, which you’ll be set to complete in your own time by a deadline
- Debrief on the task and second stage interview with Sarah Brooks, Head of People and Tom Shinner, COO (45 mins)
- Final interview at our Hoxton office to meet cross-functional stakeholders. (90 mins)
Head of People (12-month contract) in London employer: Entrepreneurs First
Entrepreneurs First is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and collaborative work culture, where ambition is amplified and career trajectories are transformed. With a focus on employee engagement and development, the company offers competitive benefits, including generous vacation allowances and a dedicated Learning & Development budget, all within a dynamic Hoxton office environment that fosters innovation and teamwork. As a leader in talent investing, EF provides unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the startup ecosystem.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People (12-month contract) in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Entrepreneurs First!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Entrepreneurs First.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People (12-month contract) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Entrepreneurs First. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Entrepreneurs First and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Entrepreneurs First. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Entrepreneurs First's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Entrepreneurs First
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Entrepreneurs First.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Entrepreneurs First will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Entrepreneurs First and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
