At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR and talent acquisition, building processes for a fast-growing startup.
- Company: Exciting early-stage sports media and tech business redefining fan engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to shape company culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work directly with leadership and influence organisational design.
- Why this job: Join at the ground level and make a real impact on company growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and recruitment, especially in startups or 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
People & Talent Leader: Build HR & Growth in a Startup in London employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Join a pioneering sports media and technology startup in the heart of the West End, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the people function from the ground up. With a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration, this company offers competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work alongside industry leaders. As they prepare for significant expansion ahead of the 2025/26 season, you'll have the unique opportunity to influence the company's trajectory while enjoying a vibrant city location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Talent Leader: Build HR & Growth in a Startup in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for the role shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to building the people function and improving company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, even if they’re not hiring right now. Express your interest and share how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience in high-growth environments and your knack for talent acquisition.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Talent Leader: Build HR & Growth in a Startup in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your HR and recruitment experience, especially in high-growth environments. We want to see how you've built processes and managed talent acquisition before!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for building people functions and how you can contribute to our exciting journey. We love hearing about your strategic thinking and practical execution skills.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve successfully hired technical talent or improved HR processes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. This role is all about building HR processes from the ground up, so being able to discuss relevant laws and frameworks confidently will show that you're ready to take on the challenge.
✨Showcase Your Startup Experience
Be prepared to share specific examples from your previous roles in startups or high-growth environments. Highlight how you've successfully managed recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations in fast-paced settings. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a similar atmosphere.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Thinking
This position requires a balance of strategic thinking and practical execution. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and implemented HR strategies in the past, and how you plan to approach building the people function in this new role.
✨Engage with Company Culture
Research the company’s culture and values before the interview. Think about how you can contribute to shaping and strengthening their employer brand. Showing genuine interest in their mission and how you can enhance their workplace culture will set you apart.
