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- Tasks: Lead people operations and build systems for a fast-growing AI scale-up.
- Company: Exciting Series A tech company at the forefront of AI innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, hybrid work, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly expanding team.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role with real ownership in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR operations and strong advisory skills.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 140000 £ per year.
London, UK Hybrid (3 days per week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
Salary: £110,000 – £140,000 + equity + benefits
The Opportunity:
We are partnering confidentially with a high-growth, Series A tech business operating at the cutting edge of AI and software development. Backed by over $100m in funding from leading global investors including Index Ventures, GV, Accel and Boldstart, the business is building foundational infrastructure for the next generation of AI-native development - a space seeing rapid enterprise adoption and significant long-term market potential.
Led by a highly credible founding team with a track record of building category-defining companies, the organisation is now entering a pivotal phase: transitioning from early product and technical validation into structured, scalable growth. With a rapidly expanding team and increasing organisational complexity, there is a clear need to formalise and elevate the people function. As a result, they are hiring their first dedicated People Lead - a foundational and highly visible role with real ownership from day one.
This is not a traditional HRBP position, nor is it a role that currently sits within the leadership team. It is a broad, end-to-end mandate spanning people operations, infrastructure and strategic partnering. You will build the systems, processes and frameworks that enable the business to scale effectively, while acting as a trusted advisor to managers and leadership on performance, compensation, employee relations and organisational effectiveness.
Reporting to the General Counsel exposure to US employment practices is advantageous.
- Experience with modern HR tooling (e.g. HRIS, ATS, collaboration platforms)
- High attention to detail and operational rigor, with a focus on accuracy and reliability
- Commercial judgement and pragmatism, with the ability to balance speed and structure
- Credibility and confidence in advising managers and handling sensitive situations
- Comfort operating in ambiguity, with the ability to build as you go
- A hands-on, low-ego approach with a willingness to own both strategy and execution
- Resilience and composure in fast-paced, evolving environments
- A growth mindset, with the ambition to scale in line with the organisation
We recognise how challenging this current job market is for candidates, and Hawkwood are therefore striving to provide the best candidate experience we can. If you are interested in this opportunity, we kindly request that you apply via this LinkedIn advert, as opposed to sending us an email or LinkedIn direct message. We are eager to ensure that each candidate application is considered fairly, and receives a consistent experience. Unfortunately, we cannot ensure this standard if you inquire about a role via email or LinkedIn message, as it falls outside of our established process.
People Lead, Series A, AI Scale-up employer: Hawkwood
Contact Detail:
Hawkwood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Lead, Series A, AI Scale-up
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to be able to show how your skills align with their needs. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your experience in people operations and strategic partnering.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We recommend mentioning something specific from the conversation to remind them of your fit for the People Lead position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen and considered fairly. We’re here to support you in this journey, so let’s make sure you get the attention you deserve!
We think you need these skills to ace People Lead, Series A, AI Scale-up
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the People Lead role. Highlight your experience in people operations and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your familiarity with modern HR tools and your ability to navigate ambiguity. We’re looking for someone who can balance speed and structure, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We appreciate a hands-on, low-ego approach, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your growth mindset.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. This ensures your application is considered fairly and consistently. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawkwood
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company’s mission, values, and recent developments. Understanding their position in the AI landscape will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a People Lead, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex people issues or built effective teams. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and credibility.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
This role requires comfort in uncertain situations. Think of instances where you've thrived in ambiguity and how you built processes from scratch. Highlighting your resilience and adaptability will set you apart.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company's growth phase. Inquiring about their vision for the people function or challenges they face will show your strategic mindset and eagerness to contribute.