At a Glance
- Tasks: Own operations, HR, and investor relations in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic AI startup with a unique product offering.
- Benefits: Competitive compensation, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with freedom and autonomy in your role.
- Why this job: Gain real ownership and exposure to founders while shaping the company's future.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in operations or HR; strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Role
APE.ai is looking for a sharp, early-career Founder's Associate to sit at the operational core of the business. You'll own the systems, processes, and relationships that keep the company running — from people ops and onboarding to investor relations, equity schemes, and everyday firefighting. You'll be the person people come to when they don't know who else to ask, and you'll be expected to find the answer, not just point elsewhere.
This role sits within Operations, reporting to the General Manager/Chief of Staff, with regular direct exposure to the founder & CEO. This is a hybrid role, and we'd generally expect around three days a week in our London office, with flexibility on the rest. You'll be handed real ownership from day one across HR, finance-adjacent admin, legal coordination, and investor relations. This is a role for someone who wants breadth, responsibility, and a front-row seat to how a startup is actually built.
Key Responsibilities & Scope
- Own People Ops & HR end-to-end: onboarding/offboarding, contracts, payroll coordination with finance, systems access, equipment, and all things Rippling
- Administer core company workspaces and platforms, including Google Suite, Slack, etc.
- Support investor relations and cap table management (SeedLegals, Carta), working with the Finance team, investors, and HMRC on related matters
- Manage UK EMI and US ISO equity schemes, including issuance and ongoing cap table administration
- Work with Finance team on expense control and spend management (Brex), including SaaS spend increases and vendor admin
- Own DocuSign for all official documents: routing, chasing signatures, and securely handling sensitive information
- Partner with our infosec advisor on platform security, access management, and GDPR compliance
- Liaise with our fractional General Counsel on legal matters as they arise
- Be the first responder when things break, such as systems access issues, platform outages (e.g. HubSpot down), or urgent people matters, while staying calm and solving problems under pressure
- Act as the go-to person ('oracle of truth') for managers and staff navigating people, process, or systems questions
- Help plan company events and logistics: all-hands, team dinners, office space bookings, and department visits
What We're Looking For
We want someone early in their career who is highly organised, discreet, endlessly resourceful, and genuinely enjoys being the person who gets things sorted; someone with a strong work ethic who's willing to jump in when something urgent comes up, even outside standard hours.
Essential:
- 1-2 years of experience in operations, people ops, HR, or a related generalist function (internships count)
- Strong working knowledge of Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Drive, Forms)
- Excellent written communication and close attention to detail
- Highly self-managing with a genuine self-starter mentality
- Comfortable handling sensitive, confidential information with discretion
- A calm, positive problem-solver who thrives when putting out fires
- Strong people skills; able to navigate sensitive conversations (e.g. compensation, access, performance) with tact
Nice to Have:
- Experience with HR/ops or fintech platforms such as Rippling, Carta, SeedLegals, Brex, DocuSign, or 1Password
- Familiarity with UK employment/equity concepts (EMI schemes) or US equity structures (ISOs)
- Experience in a fast-growing startup or AI company
- Exposure to investor relations, cap table management, or working alongside legal/finance functions
What We Offer:
- A pivotal role in a fast-growing AI startup with a unique product offering
- Competitive compensation
- Direct mentorship and exposure to founders and senior leadership
- A collaborative, innovative, and supportive work culture
- Opportunities for professional growth in the emerging field of AI solutions
- Freedom and autonomy are our principal values
Founder's Associate – Operations employer: SalesAPE.ai
At SalesAPE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Join us in building groundbreaking AI solutions that empower small businesses, all while being part of a passionate team that values curiosity, ownership, and long-term success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder's Associate – Operations
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, your first stop should be the career services at your school. They often have partnerships with local businesses, including companies like SalesAPE.ai, which can open doors for entry-level HR positions.
✨Get Involved in HR Communities
Join communities related to human resources on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. Engage in discussions, share insights, and connect with HR professionals. Some of these groups might even have job postings specifically looking for entry-level candidates!
✨Attend Job Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for job fairs, especially those focusing on HR roles. Events at universities or local chambers of commerce can be goldmines for entry-level positions. Don't forget to come prepared with a few great questions to impress recruiters from companies like SalesAPE.ai!
✨Showcase Your Personality
In HR, personality and culture fit are key. When you get the chance, maybe through informal chats or interviews, let your genuine self shine through. After all, you're in the business of people, and companies like SalesAPE.ai want to see that you fit into their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Founder's Associate – Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, it’s all about connecting with people! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you’ve dealt with others, whether it’s through previous jobs, volunteering, or even group projects in uni. This shows that you’re not just about the paperwork, but are also eager to interact and engage with those around you.
Tailor Your Language:Using the right buzzwords can make a big difference. Sprinkle in phrases like 'conflict resolution', 'team dynamics', or 'employee engagement' in your application. This will show that you understand the HR world and that you’re ready to dive into the complexities of human relationships in the workplace.
Express Your Eagerness to Learn:As an entry-level candidate, highlight your motivation to grow in the HR field. In your cover letter, mention your interest in learning about recruitment processes, employee development, or workplace culture. Employers want to see that you’re ready to soak up knowledge and contribute to their team.
Research Company Culture:Take the time to understand the HR culture at SalesAPE.ai. In your application, reflect on their values and mission, showcasing how you align with them. This adds a personal touch and shows that you’ve done your homework, making your application stand out even more!
How to prepare for a job interview at SalesAPE.ai
✨Show Your People Skills
In HR, people skills are key, so be ready to chat about your past experiences working with teams or managing conflicts. Share examples that really highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to empathise with others—this will impress those interviewers at SalesAPE.ai.
✨Brush Up on HR Tech Tools
Familiarise yourself with popular HR software like BambooHR or Workday, because you might get asked about your experience with tools that help manage employee data. Even as an entry-level candidate, showing you're proactive about learning the tech aspects can set you apart at SalesAPE.ai!
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Policies
Expect questions about HR policies, especially those related to recruitment and employee relations. Give thoughtful answers that demonstrate your understanding of HR practices, and don’t shy away from discussing how you'd approach certain scenarios—this shows you're ready to dive into the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level role, make sure you convey your motivation and willingness to learn. Talk about any relevant coursework or volunteer experiences that have prepared you for a career in HR. Showing a genuine desire to grow within the industry can leave a positive impression on the interviewers at SalesAPE.ai.
