People Manager – AI Scale-up
What's it look like?
This high-growth AI research scale-up is building a reputation for doing things differently: fast, smart, impactful. They're currently a close-knit team of around 40, with plans to scale towards 100 over the next couple of years. That's where you come in. This is a high-visibility People role — you'll be in the room with leaders, guiding, advising and influencing at senior level. Having previously thrived in a standalone HR (People) role in a scaling tech business, you'll bring that experience to steer strategy here while still being hands-on. A big part of your success will come from enjoying being physically present in the office (four days per week onsite), building relationships face-to-face, and becoming a trusted go-to partner across the business.
You'll be shaping culture, embedding more of a performance-led mindset, and building frameworks for growth where feedback, development and progression are part of everyday life. Alongside this, you'll cover the full employee lifecycle and make sure the working environment feels as good as the work itself.
Now you're talking…but what's in it for me?
This is a high-impact role at the heart of a scaling, purpose-driven business. There's real scope for progression, ownership and autonomy, with the chance to shape culture and performance in a way that makes a visible difference. You'll have strong visibility at leadership level — advising and influencing senior decision-makers — while being part of a business with a genuine growth mindset and big ambitions. Expect the best of both worlds: plenty of hands-on variety (onboarding, ER, ops) balanced with strategic opportunities to drive engagement, learning, and cultural projects.
Yep, I'm sold So now tell me what's required…
You'll thrive here if you've already cut your teeth in a People role within a fast-moving, high-growth business — tech start-up or scale-up, ideally. You know how to juggle the small stuff (contracts, policies, systems) while keeping your eyes on the bigger picture (culture, engagement, development). You'll bring a good working knowledge of UK employment law, but more importantly, you'll have the confidence to guide managers through the tricky stuff with clarity and empathy. You're sharp on detail, tech-comfortable, and not the kind of person who drops balls when spinning plates. Most importantly, you'll be a natural communicator; credible, approachable and able to flex your style depending on who's in front of you. Low-ego, sleeves rolled up, collaborative to your core.
Nice-to-haves? Maybe you've had some exposure to reward, comp & bens, or organisational development. But we're not hung up on labels — what matters is your appetite to build, improve, and make a genuine impact.