Head of People – HR Lead for Fast‑Growing Tech Startup

About the role

We are looking for a visionary Head of People to build and own the People function from the ground up. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will shape HR strategy, recruitment, compensation, equity programmes and compliance for a rapidly scaling tech startup with an international team and a new factory in Madeira.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement the full People function, including HR strategy, organisational design, policies and systems.
• Create and manage an equity compensation programme (ESOP), handling grants, vesting schedules and cap‑table coordination.
• Lead end‑to‑end recruitment for engineering, robotics, GTM and factory roles as headcount expands.
• Ensure full compliance with Portuguese labour law for mainland and Madeira operations, overseeing contracts, policies and audits.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team, communicating fluently in English with an international workforce and investors on organisational planning, culture and performance programmes.

Required profile

• Proven experience building or scaling a People function in a high‑growth tech startup.
• Strong knowledge of stock options and equity compensation design.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Deep expertise in Portuguese labour law, including mainland and Madeira regulations.
• 6+ years in HR/People leadership, comfortable operating in ambiguous, infrastructure‑light environments.

Required skills

What we offer

• Founding People hire with direct partnership with the CEO.
• Competitive salary plus equity participation in a venture‑backed robotics startup.
• Opportunity to shape culture and workforce as the company scales from dozens to hundreds of employees.
• Health insurance and relocation support for Madeira‑based team members.