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 startup in Berlin. Sitting directly alongside senior leadership, you will touch every dimension of the people function, from recruiting and onboarding to culture, employer branding, and HR compliance, making this a uniquely high-impact position for a senior operator ready to own it all.

What You'll Do

• Own end-to-end recruiting operations, including pipeline management, sourcing, screening, and hiring process design to support aggressive scaling.

• Design and execute onboarding programs that set new hires up for success in a high-intensity, fast-paced environment.

• Build and maintain core people processes, policies, and frameworks as the team scales rapidly.

• Cultivate and steward company culture aligned with the team's values and work intensity.

• 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 practices.

What We're Looking For

• 5 or more 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 an individual contributor, without direct reports.

• Strong command of German labor law and Berlin employment regulations, or a clear willingness to upskill rapidly with legal support.

• Hands-on experience designing onboarding programs and scaling people processes during rapid growth phases.

• Track record building employer branding and recruitment marketing in competitive talent markets.

• Proficiency with HRIS platforms, applicant tracking systems, and HR admin tooling.

• Comfort maintaining a high talent bar and thriving in an intense, high-velocity work culture.

• Familiarity with tech startup ecosystems and venture-backed company dynamics is a strong plus.

• Based in Berlin and able to commute to the office at least four days per week.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary of €60,000 to €70,000 per year. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Location

Berlin, Germany. Hybrid, with at least four days per week in the office.