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

Founding HR Generalist / People Operations Lead - Fast-Growing AI Startup - 27776892

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 world's largest B2C enterprises. With enterprise customers already processing 40,000+ tickets per day through their platform, they're 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, they're seeking their first dedicated HR professional to take full ownership of the people function and build scalable HR infrastructure from the ground up.

The Opportunity

This is a true greenfield opportunity where you'll be stepping into a company that has been managing HR functions on the side through leadership. You'll have complete ownership to:

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

What You'll 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 We're Looking For

Required Experience

• 4-7 years of HR generalist/people ops experience at venture-backed tech startups
• Founding or first HR hire experience at 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 administration experience
• California employment law knowledge

Ideal Background

• Bachelor's 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 We're 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: $140,000 - $185,000
• 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

You'll be joining a company that's 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 you'll 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 cube6@cubemanagement.com.  and a brief note about your founding HR experience.