Head of People & Culture / HR

Company Overview

InkuPlay is a growing company operating in gaming, esports, digital platforms, content, community, and partnerships. Currently, the organization is in a phase of structural development and professionalization.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced professional to lead and actively shape our personnel organization. As Head of People & Culture / HR, you will be accountable for establishing modern, legally compliant, and scalable HR structures. The role involves close collaboration with the Founder & CEO, operational management, leadership teams, and external legal and tax advisors.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically build and continuously improve a unified People & Culture strategy.
• Develop scalable personnel and organizational frameworks suited for a dynamic startup within gaming and esports.
• Advise management on personnel strategy and forecast future staffing needs.
• Create clear role definitions, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
• Implement leadership, communication, and decision-making structures.
• Design and maintain personnel policies, standards, and internal guidelines.
• Introduce HR metrics and conduct regular personnel reporting.
• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle including job postings, sourcing, candidate evaluation, interviews, and contract coordination.
• Build and maintain talent pools and enhance employer branding.
• Organize structured onboarding and offboarding processes ensuring smooth transitions.
• Administrate HR operations including digital personnel files, contract management, absence tracking, and cooperation with payroll and external service providers.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws through collaboration with external legal experts, including support in disciplinary actions and legal proceedings.
• Set up processes for engaging freelancers and external service providers, including contract management and performance monitoring.
• Implement performance management and professional development programs aligned with organizational goals.
• Provide leadership coaching, conflict resolution, and support with difficult personnel discussions.
• Cultivate a professional, appreciative, and performance-oriented workplace culture promoting transparency, responsibility, and inclusivity.

Requirements

• Completed academic degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, Labor Law, or a related field.
• Several years of professional experience in HR, ideally as an HR Manager, People Lead, HR Business Partner, or Head of HR.
• Expertise in developing or professionalizing HR structures and familiarity with German labor law.
• Experience in handling contracts, disciplinary measures, resignations, and terminations.
• Proficiency in recruiting professionals and executives.
• Discretion in managing sensitive and confidential information.
• Background in fast-growing companies, startups, or digital organizations.
• Keen understanding of remote work and distributed teams.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with a structured and proactive work style.
• Strong assertiveness, decision-making capabilities, and sense of responsibility.
• Fluent German language skills in speaking and writing; good command of English.
• Competency with Microsoft 365 tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience founding or independently developing an HR function.
• Industry experience in gaming, esports, media, technology, or startups.
• Knowledge of international employment and freelancer arrangements.
• Familiarity with HR software and digital personnel records.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with operational implementation.
• Early identification of labor law risks and capability to establish effective processes without unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Composure and professionalism under challenging circumstances.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate takes ownership and leads initiatives rather than simply delegating. They possess:

• Autonomy in setting priorities and problem anticipation.
• Capability to provide clear recommendations to executive management.
• Skill in preparing decisions and conducting sensitive conversations professionally.
• Expertise in process documentation and deadline management.
• Ability to balance diverse stakeholder interests and align business and legal requirements.
• Absolute confidentiality, loyalty, and responsible handling of personal data.

What We Offer

• A pivotal leadership role reporting directly to Founder & CEO.
• Opportunity to build the entire HR function at InkuPlay.
• Significant autonomy with short decision-making pathways.
• Direct influence on company structure and culture.
• Flexible working hours and remote work within Germany.
• Modern digital workflows in an energetic environment spanning gaming, esports, and digital media.
• Collaboration with experienced external legal, tax, and business consultants.
• Career advancement towards executive roles such as Director People & Culture or Chief People Officer.
• A long-term perspective in a growing company.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Direct reporting line to Founder & CEO.
• Close cooperation with COO, CMO, Head of Esports, Head of Finance & Controlling, Legal & Compliance, team leads, external payroll, tax advisors, and legal firms.

Development Opportunities

• Potential future roles include Director People & Culture, Chief People Officer, or membership in the extended executive leadership team.