At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and run the people foundation for Modal's London office as it grows.
- Company: Join a fast-growing tech company revolutionising AI infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with high ownership and impact on company culture.
- Why this job: Be a foundational hire and shape the future of our London team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in People Ops with knowledge of UK employment norms.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
About Us:
AI needs a new infrastructure layer. We're building it at Modal. Every era of computing brought new workloads that previous infrastructure couldn't support: mainframes, databases, and the cloud. Each time, the company that rebuilt the layer underneath defined the decade. AI is no different, except it touches everything instead of one slice, and the window to build the layer underneath it is open right now.
Our customers include category-defining companies like Lovable, Ramp, Cognition, DoorDash, and Suno. They rely on Modal for instant GPU access, sub-second container starts, and native storage, so it's simple to serve low-latency inference, fine-tune models, and access production-ready sandboxes at scale.
We recently raised a $355M Series C at a $4.65B valuation, led by General Catalyst and Redpoint Ventures. We've crossed $300M+ ARR and grown fivefold since last September.
Our team includes creators of popular open-source projects (e.g., Seaborn, Luigi), academic researchers, international olympiad medalists, and experienced engineering and product leaders with decades of experience.
The Role:
We are hiring our first People team member on the ground in London - the person who builds and runs the people foundation for the UK as our London office grows from a small team today into one of Modal’s core hubs. You‘ll help build out of the people function in London end to end, ensuring we create the best environment for our team. You will be the person who meets a new hire on day one, the person anyone on the team goes to when something comes up, and the owner of all things people operations (systems, benefits, onboarding). This is a foundational, high-ownership role. We’re looking for someone who wants to build a region, and who is energized by being the go-to person from everything People in London.
What you’ll do:
- People Operations & Compliance
- Own core people operations for the London team - onboarding, offboarding, payroll coordination, and benefits administration so every experience is smooth and nothing falls through the cracks.
- Be the first, trusted point of contact for London employees on questions about policies, benefits, pay, and people matters, handling sensitive topics with clarity, discretion, and pragmatism.
- Support managers on the ground: help them set their teams up well, spot early performance or people issues, and know when to loop in the broader People team.
- Keep our people data clean and current in our systems (departments, titles, managers) as we stand up a single global source of truth, and help operationalize the new HRIS locally.
- Make sure our UK benefits are competitive and in line with the local market, and that time-off and policy messaging is clear and consistent for the London team.
- Own the people side of building out Modal’s UK presence - partnering with external vendors and global people operations to keep us compliant with UK employment.
- Workplace & Operations
- Keep the London office running smoothly day to day (space, supplies, setup) and be a thoughtful steward of a welcoming, functional environment.
- Own local events, team bonding, and the in-office experience that makes London somewhere people want to be.
- Coordinate with vendors and building management as needed.
- Recruiting Operations
- Own local recruiting operations for the London office in partnership with our global Talent team, including interview logistics and candidate experience on the ground.
Requirements:
- 5+ years experience in a People Ops or People & Talent generalist role, ideally in a fast-growing tech environment.
- Working knowledge of UK employment norms, compliance, and labor environments.
- Comfortable working autonomously and owning outcomes with minimal oversight - you see gaps and fix them.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail - you notice what others miss.
- Clear, thoughtful communicator with candidates, employees, and stakeholders.
- Comfortable shifting between strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
- Excited to be a foundational hire and help build people processes from the ground up.
People Lead, UK employer: MODAL
At Modal, we are redefining the infrastructure layer for AI, making us an exceptional employer for a Solutions Architect looking to make a significant impact. Our dynamic work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth while working alongside industry leaders and cutting-edge technology. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to shaping the future of AI infrastructure, Modal offers a unique environment where your contributions directly influence the success of our enterprise clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Lead, UK
✨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 MODAL!
✨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 MODAL.
We think you need these skills to ace People Lead, UK
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 MODAL. 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 MODAL 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 MODAL. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to MODAL'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 MODAL
✨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 MODAL.
✨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 MODAL 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 MODAL and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
