Senior People and Culture Manager

About the role

This is a full‑ownership, individual contributor role building the people function from the ground up at a fast‑growing AI/ML startup in Berlin. You will partner directly with the founder to scale the team rapidly, spanning recruiting, onboarding, culture, employer branding, and HR operations.

Key responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end recruiting operations, including pipeline management, sourcing, screening, and hiring process design to support aggressive headcount growth.
• Design and execute onboarding programs that set new hires up for success in a high‑intensity environment.
• Build core people processes, policies, and frameworks to support a rapidly scaling team.
• Cultivate and steward company culture aligned with shared values and a high‑performance work environment.
• Develop employer branding and recruitment marketing strategies to attract top talent in a competitive market.
• Manage HR administration and ensure compliance with German labor law and Berlin employment regulations.

Required profile

• 5+ years of experience in people or HR roles, with at least 3 years building or leading a people function at an early‑stage or high‑growth startup.
• Proven ability to run a people function independently as a senior individual contributor, without direct reports.
• Strong expertise in German labor law and employment regulations, or willingness to upskill quickly with legal support.
• Experience designing onboarding programs and people processes during rapid scaling phases.
• Demonstrated ability to build employer branding and maintain a high hiring bar during fast growth.
• Proficiency with HRIS, ATS, and HR administration tools.
• Comfort thriving in ambiguous, high‑intensity startup environments where moving fast and wearing multiple hats is the norm.
• Familiarity with tech startup ecosystems and venture‑backed company dynamics is a plus.
• Experience with international or multi‑location team compliance is a plus.

Required skills

• HRIS
• ATS
• HR administration tools

What we offer

• Base salary of €60,000 to €70,000 annually.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Hybrid work arrangement with at least four days per week in the office.