Founding HR Generalist People Operations Lead Fast-Growing AI Startup

Founding HR Generalist / People Operations Lead - Fast-Growing AI Startup -

Our client is a rapidly scaling AI startup that just closed a $61M Series A and is trusted by Fortune 500 companies to handle millions of customer interactions daily.

About Our Client

Our client builds cutting-edge real-time AI agents that power voice chat and email support for the worlds largest B2C enterprises. With enterprise customers already processing 40000 tickets per day through their platform theyre at a genuine inflection point following their recent Series A funding backed by prominent investors including YC President Garry Tan and Nexus Venture Partners.

Currently at 80 employees and growing fast theyre seeking theirfirst dedicated HR professionalto take full ownership of the people function and build scalable HR infrastructure from the ground up.

The Opportunity

This is a truegreenfield opportunitywhere youll be stepping into a company that has been managing HR functions on the side through leadership. Youll have complete ownership to:

• Build the HR function from scratch- no inherited processes or legacy systems to work around
• Shape company cultureduring a critical growth phase
• Gain immediate trust and social capitalby bringing professional structure to day-to-day operations
• Scale with the companyas they expand to meet enterprise demand

What Youll Do

Immediate Priorities (First 30-60 Days)

• Take over all day-to-day HR operations including onboarding offboarding role changes offer letters and employment documentation
• Become the internal owner of all HR systems (Rippling administration)
• Apply California employment law knowledge for compliant employee transitions and terminations
• Manage benefits administration (health plans 401k broker relationships) and partner with Finance on payroll accuracy

Strategic Initiatives (Beyond 60 Days)

• Introduce scalable processes like structured onboarding programs
• Develop and implement performance review cycles
• Build manager enablement programs
• Create comprehensive HR playbooks and best practices

What Were Looking For

Required Experience

• 4-7 yearsof HR generalist/people ops experience at venture-backed tech startups
• Founding or first HR hire experienceat a startup that raised $10M (built people ops from scratch not inherited)
• Hands-on HRIS administration(Rippling preferred or equivalent like Gusto/Workday)
• Payroll and benefits administrationexperience
• California employment lawknowledge

Ideal Background

• Bachelors degree from a reputable university (strong academic pedigree a plus)
• Experience with broader People Ops functions (performance management onboarding programs manager enablement)
• Track record of roles lasting 3 years (no job-hopping patterns)
• Must come from venture-backed tech companies(not CPG lifestyle brands or other industries)

What Were Avoiding

• HR specialists siloed in one function only (recruiters L&D specialists comp specialists)
• Candidates whose most recent role is outside of tech
• Job-hoppers with patterns of 6-12 month stints

Compensation & Logistics

• Salary:$140000 - $185000
• Equity:Competitive equity package
• Location:San Francisco CA (Dogpatch area)
• Work Policy:5 days in-office (no hybrid options)
• Visa Sponsorship:Not available (must have existing US work authorization)
• Start Date:ASAP

Why This Role Matters

Youll be joining a company thats already proven product-market fit with enterprise customers and is positioned to become the go-to AI platform for enterprise automation. The work affects millions of people every day and youll have the autonomy to make true impact with brilliant founders a clear path forward and the kind of momentum that defines generational companies.

Ready to build something from the ground up at a fast-scaling AI company

This role is being filled urgently. Our client is prepared to move quickly for the right candidate and has streamlined their interview process accordingly.

To apply or learn more please reach out with your resume by sending it to . and a brief note about your founding HR experience.