At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR and talent initiatives, shaping the future of our dynamic sports media company.
- Company: Join Fanalysis, a groundbreaking platform transforming fan engagement in football.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, vibrant team culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Exciting chance to build HR from the ground up in a passionate team.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to amplify real fan voices in football.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and recruitment, especially in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fanalysis - the home of real fan opinion. Football has a problem. Punditry is dominated by the same voices, while fan sentiment gets lost in the noise of fragmented social media. The people who understand the game best - the fans - have never had a platform that truly reflects them. We're building that platform. Founded by Michael McIntyre and Gary Neville, and launched in partnership with Sky Sports for the 2025/26 Premier League season, we enable verified fans to rate players, managers and matches - turning supporter sentiment into structured insight that powers media, content and conversation across the game. We don't amplify the loudest voices. We surface what real supporters actually think, at scale. We're already home to a fast-growing global community, with fan perspectives reaching millions. Backed by leading venture investors and working with major media partners, we're scaling quickly - with well-known figures from football and entertainment already part of the conversation. Our mission is simple: to make fan sentiment the most powerful force in football, and give fans the platform they've always deserved.
The Role
This is a rare opportunity to own the people function at one of the most exciting early-stage companies in sports media - and to build it properly from the ground up. As our first dedicated HR and talent hire, you'll work directly with the CEO and COO to bring in exceptional people and create the foundations that allow us to scale quickly and sustainably. The role is deliberately broad: you'll be involved in everything from sourcing and hiring through to contracts, onboarding, performance, and day-to-day operational matters. There is no separation between strategy and execution - you'll be expected to handle both. We're looking for someone early in their career but already operating at a high level - with strong judgement, a bias towards action, and low ego about what the work involves. You should be comfortable moving between hiring a senior engineer, drafting a policy, and resolving a practical issue as it arises. The scope is wide, and the expectation is that you take full ownership of it.
What you'll do
- HR & People
- Establish clear, proportionate HR processes suited to an early-stage company - the right amount of structure, no more
- Own employment contracts, HR systems and employee records
- Ensure compliance with UK employment law and keep us on the right side of relevant regulation
- Manage onboarding and offboarding, making both experiences genuinely good
- Support managers with performance management, goal setting and feedback
- Help build progression frameworks and career development structures
- Handle employee relations matters with sound judgement and discretion
- Contribute to pay benchmarking and compensation reviews
- Talent & Hiring
- Lead hiring across all functions - tech, product, content, community and commercial
- Manage the full recruitment process across multiple roles simultaneously
- Hire developers and technical talent at pace, with a clear understanding of what strong engineering and product profiles look like
- Source candidates directly through LinkedIn, your own networks and non-traditional channels
- Work with external agencies where needed, managing relationships and negotiating commercial terms confidently
- Help shape how Fanalysis is positioned to prospective hires as our employer brand develops
- General & Operational
- Take on office and operational responsibilities as required - we're a small team and everyone chips in
- Identify gaps or issues and address them directly, without waiting to be asked.
- Support the leadership team in thinking through organisational structure and culture as we grow
About You
- Strong academic background with a consistent record of high performance
- Solid HR and recruitment experience gained in a startup, scale-up or high-growth environment - you know the difference between building and maintaining, and you've done the former
- Demonstrated experience hiring technical roles - developers, engineers, product people - quickly and well
- Working knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance
- Clear and confident communicator, comfortable advising senior stakeholders and engaging candidates alike
- Highly organised and calm under pressure, able to manage multiple priorities without dropping the ball
- Pragmatic in approach - able to balance process with pace, and structure with common sense
- Low ego, high standards, and a genuine willingness to take ownership of whatever needs doing
- Motivated by building something from an early stage - a passion for football is a bonus, but hunger to be part of something from the ground up is essential
This is a full-time role based in London. We're in the office at least three days a week and value time together as a team.
HR and Talent Manager employer: Job Search Place Limited
Fanalysis Ltd is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the sports media industry. As the first dedicated HR and Talent Manager, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the people function from the ground up, fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and teamwork. With a focus on employee growth and development, alongside a commitment to creating a supportive environment, Fanalysis offers a dynamic workplace where your contributions will directly influence the future of fan engagement in football.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR and Talent Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the HR and talent space. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for football! When you’re chatting with potential employers, let your love for the game shine through. Share your thoughts on current trends in football and how fan sentiment can shape the industry. It’ll make you stand out as someone who truly gets the culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand Fanalysis’s mission and values, and think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Tailor your answers to show you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely excited about this opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Fanalysis and contributing to something amazing from the ground up.
We think you need these skills to ace HR and Talent Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Football:When you're writing your application, let your love for football shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Fanalysis. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your understanding of fan sentiment and the game.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your HR and recruitment experience, especially in startup environments. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so show us how your skills match what we need!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our journey from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Fanalysis and understand their mission, values, and the unique platform they’re building. Familiarise yourself with their approach to fan sentiment in football and think about how your HR strategies can align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Versatility
This role requires a mix of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Be ready to discuss examples from your past where you've successfully juggled multiple responsibilities, like hiring for technical roles while also managing employee relations. Highlight your adaptability!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you had to resolve conflicts or implement HR processes in a fast-paced environment. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle challenges effectively.
✨Engage with Passion
While a passion for football is a bonus, what really matters is your enthusiasm for building something from the ground up. Convey your excitement about the opportunity to shape the HR function at Fanalysis and how you can contribute to their growth and culture.
