Director of People (gn) @ DeepTech Scale-Up, Berlin or Dresden

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential deep-tech organization building next-generation computing infrastructure. Our client is at the frontier of AI and neuromorphic computing, solving genuinely hard problems where hardware meets intelligent systems. With locations in Berlin and Dresden, they are scaling rapidly and need their first dedicated people leader to build and own the entire people function from the ground up.

This is a director-level role because you will not be inheriting a function—you will be creating one. You will own the people agenda end to end, from long-term strategy through to day-to-day operations, and help shape how the organization hires, develops, and supports its team through significant growth.

Responsibilities

• Set and own the people strategy, aligned with growth plans and company values, acting as a trusted advisor to founders and leadership
• Build the people function from scratch, including processes, policies, and governance needed to scale effectively
• Design and execute a long-term hiring strategy, partnering with hiring managers on workforce planning and priorities
• Shape employer branding and candidate experience to attract top talent
• Design and implement performance management systems, feedback loops, and review cycles
• Lead talent reviews, calibrations, and development discussions across the company
• Turn people data into practical development and retention initiatives
• Own and develop the central people system (Personio)
• Run smooth people operations across the full employee lifecycle, from onboarding through offboarding
• Improve and automate workflows to maintain efficiency during growth
• Build a strong, inclusive, and feedback-driven culture
• Coach and support leaders on communication, conflict resolution, and team development
• Grow and lead a small people team over time

What We're Looking For

• Typically 8+ years of experience in people or talent leadership, including time as a senior people partner, head of people, or comparable role
• Proven track record of building or substantially scaling a people function in a growing or complex organization
• Strong knowledge of the German employment landscape and relevant regulations
• Hands-on experience with Personio
• Demonstrated experience designing and running performance management and talent development programs
• Ability to operate across the full range, from long-term strategy to hands-on operations, managing multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Calm, structured, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving
• Strong communicator who can influence and advise at every level, including leadership
• Fluent in English, written and spoken; German is a strong advantage
• Comfortable in environments where much is still being figured out, bringing calm and structure
• Just as comfortable setting strategy with founders as handling contract details
• Proactive and self-directed—you don't wait to be told what to do next

How We Work With You

When you apply through Get A Job.ai, our talent team will screen your application and arrange an initial conversation to understand your background and interests. If there's a strong match, we will submit your profile to our client for consideration. Please do not contact the client directly—all communication should flow through our recruiting team to ensure a smooth and professional process.

This role offers the choice of being based in Berlin or Dresden, with relocation support available for the right candidate. You would be the first person in this role and the person who defines how the people function takes shape, with real ownership and a direct line to leadership.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity

Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive hiring practices and equal opportunity employment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.