Epoch Biodesign
Epoch Biodesign is a well-funded, venture-backed start-up using biology to make every type of plastic recyclable - starting with Nylon.
The Role
Supporting the CPO directly this role is ideal for someone who enjoys providing strategic and operational assistance, and who understands the value of consistent, practical, day-to-day help.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with leadership to shape people and workplace initiatives, advising and supporting teams as a trusted, hands-on, operational partner.
Experience in administration and light project management will be useful, and an appreciation for the realities of a ~45-person start-up scaling up to ~ 70 in the next 12/18 months will help you settle in faster.
We are open to industry background - transferable skills matter more than the sector you’ve been in. However, awareness of scientific environments would help you at Epoch. What matters most though, is a proactive mindset, the ability to spot a gap before it becomes visible, resourcefulness, and yes - good humour too!
There will be interesting projects, and there will be routine tasks - both are equally important to the development of Epoch.
Whether you are helping with HR processes and transactional activity, providing finance support, coordinating recruitment or making sure our weekly office snacks arrive on time, every task is important and carried out efficiently, warmly, and professionally.
As HR & Office Operations Partner (Generalist) at Epoch you will:
People Operations
Support the CPO with day-to-day People Ops activity - acting as a thinking partner in prioritising what matters most
Be the go-to contact for operational questions, requests, and everyday needs across Epoch - often on issues that will vary widely in nature and urgency
Manage core People Ops administration, including contracts, employee changes, and all related documentation
Ensure our people services run seamlessly and consistently, spotting gaps before they become problems
Support global mobility administration, including accurate record keeping, relocation logistics, policy compliance, and visa coordination where needed
Stay closely connected with the CPO - proactively share context, flag decisions early, and keep things coordinated (autonomy with connection)
Recruitment & Onboarding
Coordinate recruitment logistics: scheduling, candidate communications, in-person and virtual interviews, office visits, offer administration - ensure every candidate has a smooth, human experience
Manage onboarding from start to finish: introductions, checklists, paperwork, employment verification, systems and file creation, desk set-up
Manage off-boarding, ensuring timely completion of exit formalities and compliance requirements
Continually improve onboarding/off-boarding processes
Benefits & Systems
Own benefits administration: handle day-to-day queries, support supplier renewals or reviews, and maintain employee communication materials (benefits decks, onboarding resources, etc.)
Research, shortlist, and support the selection of new tools/systems (e.g. HRIS, payroll, ATS)
Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions and reconciliations
Finance
Assist with finance operations where People related data intersects with spend (expenses, third party management, events)
Office Operations
Manage event bookings and logistics as needed
Handle the office essentials - snacks, supplies, maintenance, and all the ‘this place actually works’ details that make Epoch run smoothly.
Liaise with building management and the facilities manager at Epoch to coordinate repairs, deliveries, and access
What this role is not and what it is:
Not a Chief of Staff role - you’ll collaborate with leadership to execute on strategy, not set it from scratch
Not a pure EA role - while there is admin work, this role is looking for your problem-solving and judgement skills, applied to improving how we work
Not an isolated role - you will work cross-functionally all the time, not just 1:1 with the CPO
Not a temporary stepping stone - we want someone who takes pride in enabling Epoch to function and grow
What ‘good’ looks like after 6-9 months
People know that if something practical needs to get sorted - you are the first port of call
Our onboarding is more consistent, smoother, and you’ve tidied the bits that were previously ‘common knowledge’
Processes are documented, benefits admin is clean, organised and with clearer visibility
The CPO’s operational ‘noise’ is filtered, prioritised and processed in a way that saves her time and attention
You’ve introduced 2-3 small but meaningful improvements (a better tool, a simpler process, cleaner documentation etc) that made things easier for everyone
Essential experience
Significant experience in a similar HR Generalist role
Deep expertise in People Operations and HR processes
Experience of sourcing and deploying new HR systems
Practical understanding of HR principles beyond textbook theory
Experience of building career progression frameworks
Adept at managing conflicting priorities
Awareness of cross-border employment considerations
Awareness of startup/scale-up environments
Benefits
Epoch Biodesign offers a comprehensive benefits program. At the moment this includes:
A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)
Meaningful EMI Share Options
A non-contributory pension of 9% employer contribution
Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality
Group Income Protection
Group Critical Illness
Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm
Cycle to work scheme
The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable
On-the-job perks:
Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks
Onsite gym
Various staff social activities