At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the employee experience and drive People operations in a cutting-edge AI scale-up.
- Company: Join a leading frontier AI lab backed by top investors like NVIDIA and Sequoia.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, growth opportunities, and the chance to influence global practices.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a fast-growing team and make a real impact on company culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR roles, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hawkwood is partnering with a leading frontier AI lab as it scales its operations in London. Backed by investors including NVIDIA and Sequoia, the business has raised more than $2 billion to develop advanced autonomous intelligence systems and frontier AI models. With teams across New York, San Francisco and London, they are entering a period of extraordinary growth as they continue to expand both their research capabilities and global operations.
As the first dedicated People hire in the UK, you will play a pivotal role in building the employee experience locally while partnering closely with the global People team. With plans to double global headcount over the coming year, this role offers the chance to influence how People practices, processes and culture evolve during a significant period of scale.
We're looking for a commercially minded People professional who enjoys operating across both People Operations and People Partnering. You'll be excited by working autonomously, comfortable providing recommendations rather than waiting for direction, and capable of building credibility with highly technical stakeholders. This role will suit someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys creating structure where it is needed most, and is equally happy coaching managers, solving employee challenges and improving processes.
What will you be doing:
- Act as the primary People Team contact for employees and managers across the UK business
- Partner with managers on employee relations matters, performance management, manager development, organisational effectiveness and workforce planning
- Lead employee relations cases from initial consultation through to resolution, including performance improvement plans, investigations, disciplinary processes and grievances
- Coordinate the local delivery of global People programmes, including performance reviews, talent discussions, compensation cycles and organisational change initiatives
- Own UK People Operations across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employment changes, leave administration, benefits, pensions and offboarding
- Identify and implement improvements across People processes, systems and employee experience, while helping to build the People infrastructure required to support the next phase of growth
Who We Are Looking For:
- Experience in a People Operations, HR Generalist, People Partner or similar role within a business with a significant engineering population
- Experience working within a venture backed, high growth or scaling environment
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations processes and people practices
- Experience independently managing employee relations cases and supporting managers through complex people challenges
- Strong understanding of UK benefits, pensions, leave management and local employment requirements
- A proactive and self sufficient approach, with the confidence to influence stakeholders, bring recommendations and execute effectively
This is a rare opportunity to build and shape the UK People function within a business operating at the forefront of AI innovation. You'll have the autonomy to make meaningful decisions locally, influence global People programmes and help create the foundations for the next stage of growth. For someone who enjoys ownership, pace and the opportunity to build, this role offers an exceptional platform.
People Operations Partner - Series C Frontier AI Scale Up employer: Hawkwood
Hawkwood is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the People function within a pioneering AI scale-up in London. With significant backing from industry leaders and a commitment to employee growth, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values autonomy, innovation, and collaboration. As part of a rapidly expanding team, you'll enjoy the chance to influence global practices while contributing to a meaningful mission at the forefront of technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Operations Partner - Series C Frontier AI Scale Up
✨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 Hawkwood!
✨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 Hawkwood.
We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Partner - Series C Frontier AI Scale Up
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 Hawkwood. 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 Hawkwood 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 Hawkwood. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hawkwood'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 Hawkwood
✨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 Hawkwood.
✨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 Hawkwood 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 Hawkwood and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
