At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR and talent acquisition, shaping the people function from the ground up.
- Company: Exciting early-stage sports media and tech business redefining fan engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunity for significant impact.
- Other info: Work directly with leadership and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing startup and help build a thriving company culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and recruitment, especially in high-growth environments.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
I am working with one of the UK’s most exciting early-stage sports media and technology businesses as they look to hire their first dedicated People & Talent Manager. Founded by globally recognised names in sport and entertainment, the company is redefining how fan sentiment is captured, understood and distributed across football. Already partnered with major broadcasters and backed by leading investors, they are entering a significant phase of growth ahead of the 2025/26 season. This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage and build the people function from the ground up.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CEO and COO, you will own both HR and talent acquisition across the business. The role is intentionally broad and hands-on, spanning recruitment, onboarding, HR operations, employee experience, performance processes and organisational development. This position would suit someone who thrives in high-growth environments and enjoys balancing strategic thinking with practical execution.
Responsibilities
- People & HR
- Build and implement scalable HR processes appropriate for a fast-growing startup
- Own contracts, HR systems and employee records
- Ensure compliance with UK employment law and HR best practice
- Manage onboarding and offboarding processes
- Support managers with performance management, feedback and goal setting
- Help develop progression frameworks and career development structures
- Handle employee relations matters with professionalism and discretion
- Support compensation benchmarking and review processes
- Talent Acquisition
- Lead hiring across technical, product, commercial and operational functions
- Manage full-cycle recruitment across multiple live roles
- Hire technical talent including engineers and product professionals
- Source candidates directly through LinkedIn, networks and creative channels
- Manage external recruitment partners where required
- Help shape and strengthen the company’s employer brand
- Operations & Culture
- Support wider operational and office responsibilities as needed
- Identify gaps, solve problems proactively and improve processes
- Partner with leadership on organisational design and company culture
About You
- Strong academic background with a track record of high achievement
- Previous HR and recruitment experience within a startup, scale-up or high-growth environment
- Demonstrated success hiring technical talent
- Good working knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Pragmatic, solutions-focused and commercially aware
- Low ego, high ownership mentality
- Excited by the opportunity to help build a company from an early stage
HR and Talent Manager in City of Westminster employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Join a pioneering early-stage sports media and technology company in the heart of the West End, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the HR and talent function from the ground up. With a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive compensation and the chance to work with industry leaders. This is not just a job; it's a chance to be part of a transformative journey in the sports sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR and Talent Manager in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR and talent space, especially those who have experience in startups. They might have insider info on job openings or can even refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise in HR and talent management. Share relevant articles, engage with industry leaders, and don’t hesitate to post about your passion for building people functions in high-growth environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s culture and values. Research their approach to employee experience and think of ways you can contribute to shaping that as their People & Talent Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our exciting journey in the sports media and tech space.
We think you need these skills to ace HR and Talent Manager in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the HR and Talent Manager role. Highlight your previous experience in high-growth environments and any specific achievements in recruitment and HR processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your personality and passion for the role. Explain why you’re excited about building a people function from the ground up and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've identified gaps and improved processes in previous roles. We want to see your proactive approach and how you can contribute to our fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the company's background and its founders. Understand their mission in redefining fan sentiment in sports media. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your HR Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've built HR processes in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. Be ready to discuss your approach to compliance with UK employment law and how you've handled employee relations matters.
✨Demonstrate Your Talent Acquisition Expertise
Think about your strategies for sourcing technical talent and be prepared to share your success stories. Highlight your experience with full-cycle recruitment and how you've managed relationships with external partners.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
This role is all about building a company culture from the ground up. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to organisational design and culture in past positions. Show that you're not just about processes but also about creating a positive work environment.
