Berlin-based - m/f/d - full-time

What we do at Plato

Plato is building the digital backbone of the global trade economy. Starting with the $53T wholesale industry, we empower the modern wholesaler to connect their people and data in a single analytics and workflow hub. By leveraging data science and AI we automate workflows and combat labor shortage making SMB wholesalers competitive with large corporations.

Why we do what we do

The future of wholesale is data-driven. Unlike popular opinion, Industrial SMEs are ready to make the step to become more proactive in their processes but lack the technology to steer them to success. Our founders come from a wholesale family and gathered a rock star team of ex-Big Tech, VC and top tier consulting companies to reshape the operations of this $48tn industry. Our initial product leverages cutting-edge data science to provide customized demand forecasts and product recommendations combined with intelligent workflow automation.

We are creating category-defining software. Our primary customers are C-suite executives within large-scale wholesale and distribution businesses. We are committed to helping them enhance their decision-making processes and optimize their operations through the smart use of their data - bringing their operations into the 21st century! But don’t just hear it from us! We are supported by a list of top-tier EU & US VCs, advisors, and angels providing insights from some of the best SME tech companies such as Miro, Celonis, Personio, Workday, Forto and Microsoft.

What we are looking for

We're currently a team of 20 people, growing fast, and we need someone to build our People function from scratch. This means owning everything from hiring and onboarding to performance management and company culture. You'll work directly with the founders to create the systems and processes we need as we scale - without turning into a bureaucracy.

The role is right for you if you're comfortable with ambiguity, can build structure where none exists, and genuinely care about helping people do great work. You should be able to balance being empathetic with holding high standards.

This is a chance to define what HR looks like at Plato from day one - not implement someone else's framework.

Your Mission

You’ll own everything “People” - hiring, onboarding, performance management, and culture. You’ll balance the strategic with the hands-on, ensuring Plato remains both a great place to work and a company that wins, while growing and hiring fast.

Your key responsibilities:

1. Build the People Foundation

• Create HR policies, structures, and tools that bring clarity and consistency without killing our startup spirit.

• Implement systems for onboarding, performance reviews, and feedback.

2. Recruitment & Employer Branding

• Build and lead our end-to-end hiring process, ensuring we attract and retain exceptional talent who match Plato’s DNA - ambitious, kind, and accountable.

• Shape and amplify our employer brand; make Plato the place top performers want to join.

• Support screening for new candidates and always on the hunt for new talent.

3. Culture & Engagement

• Champion company culture - organize initiatives that keep the team connected, motivated, and inspired, especially during high-pressure periods.

• Act as a cultural glue between departments, making sure our values show up in how we work every day.

4. Growth & Development

• Introduce career paths, learning programs, and coaching frameworks that help people level up continuously.

• Foster open feedback and growth conversations that fuel performance and trust.

5. Strategic Partner to Founders

• Partner closely with leadership on organizational design, scaling strategy, and workforce planning.

• Be the go-to person for all things people - from structure and compliance to wellbeing and retention.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of HR generalist or people operations experience, ideally in fast-scaling startups or tech environments.

• Confidence navigating ambiguity - you know how to create clarity from an empty canvas.

• Proven experience designing HR processes and frameworks from scratch.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills - you build trust quickly and influence with empathy.

• A commercial mindset: you understand that great culture drives business outcomes.

• Hands-on, proactive attitude - you’re not just a thinker, you’re a doer.

• Fluency in English and German.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• A genuine seat at the table: your ideas will shape the way Plato grows.

• A team that’s ambitious, transparent, and supportive - no egos, just great energy.

• Freedom to build: the opportunity to define what “great HR” looks like at Plato.

• A culture that balances professionalism with fun - we work hard, celebrate wins, and care deeply about each other.

🗒 Hiring Process

Step 1: Intro Call with a Founder (30 min)

A short conversation to get to know each other, learn more about Plato, and discuss your experience and motivation.

Step 2: In-Person Interview (Discovery Conversation)

You’ll join us in our Berlin office for a two-way conversation with the founders and team. Rather than a traditional interview, this is an open discussion — your chance to understand Plato’s culture, vision, and challenges, and ours to see how you think, listen, and engage.

Step 3: Case Study Presentation

You’ll come back to present your proposal: how you’d build the People & HR function at Plato based on what you learned. This session is interactive — we’ll discuss your approach, ideas, and reasoning.

Step 4: Meet the Team

Meet other members of the Plato team to get a feel for our day-to-day collaboration and culture.

Step 5: Reference Checks

Before the offer, we’ll ask you to share 2–3 references we can speak to.

Step 6: Offer

If it’s a match on both sides, we’ll move quickly to send you an offer — including an appropriate share package.

Ready to build something that lasts?

If you’re passionate about creating a people-first culture that powers performance - we’d love to meet you.