Job Description
About Us
TechYard is the talent arm of a tech start-up fund building and backing high-potential companies in the digital and data professional services space. Our portfolio spans early-stage consultancies and technology-led service providers building the future of enterprise tech. As part of our growing Talent function, we’re looking for a hands-on HR Manager to support our portfolio founders in building world-class people operations from day one.
Role Overview
This is a unique HR leadership role at the fund level, supporting early-stage founders and leadership teams across the portfolio. You’ll act as a strategic partner and tactical operator - helping stand up HR infrastructure, advise on best practices, and accelerate people growth across multiple start-ups. You will be responsible for onboarding new members of the various teams, whilst ensuring we have competent systems in place to cover things such as payroll and healthcare.
You’ll be working across a variety of companies, each with different cultures, maturity levels, and needs, while contributing to the fund’s overall talent strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Support
* Act as an embedded HR advisor to portfolio companies (especially tech/professional services start-ups).
* Support founders with HR playbook setup: contracts, onboarding, performance reviews, and hiring frameworks.
* Set up fit-for-purpose policies, systems, and tools (e.g., HRIS, ATS, compliance templates).
* Help shape and define early-stage org structures and headcount planning.
Hiring & Onboarding
* Partner with portfolio founders to build recruitment pipelines for critical early hires (technical, consulting, operations).
* Coach hiring managers on structured interview processes and candidate experience.
* Develop onboarding journeys that scale with company growth.
People & Culture
* Define values and culture frameworks that embed into operating models.
* Set up performance feedback cycles, L&D paths, and manager training.
* Run engagement initiatives across distributed, hybrid teams.
Compliance & Ops
* Ensure employment law compliance across jurisdictions (especially UK/US).
* Create scalable, startup-friendly templates for employment contracts, policies, and handbooks.
* Guide founders through contractor vs. employee risks, IR35, and early equity planning.
What We're Looking For
* 5+ years of HR experience, including 2+ years supporting early-stage tech/professional services companies.
* Experience working across multiple entities or as part of a fund/operator team a strong plus. Experience working as a fractional HR Manager or in a Managed Service environment would be a real bonus.
* Strong knowledge of US (UK nice to have) employment law and early-stage HR infrastructure.
* Highly adaptable, fast-moving, and comfortable working with ambiguity.
* A builder: you know how to create scalable people systems from scratch.
Bonus Points For
* Experience working in a venture fund, accelerator, or operator network
* Familiarity with compensation structuring and early equity schemes
* HR certifications (CIPD, SHRM) or legal background
What We Offer
* Unique exposure to multiple high-growth, fast moving companies
* Influence at the foundational stage of multiple start-ups
* Opportunity to help shape a fund-wide talent strategy
* Competitive salary and carried interest potential
* Flexible and remote-friendly work environment