About the role

About The Meridiem

The Meridiem is a fast-growing tech journalism platform delivering essential coverage of AI, startups, venture capital, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology. We provide morning briefings and evening analysis to a rapidly expanding subscriber base of tech professionals, founders, and investors. Backed by Series A funding, we are scaling our team to match our ambition of becoming the go-to source for technology news and insight.

Role Overview

We are looking for a People Operations Lead to build and own the HR function at The Meridiem. You will define our people strategy, shape our culture, and create the systems and programs that attract, retain, and develop top talent in a remote-first media startup. This is a foundational role — you will set the standard for how we treat and support our team as we grow from a small, scrappy crew into a world-class organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall people strategy aligned with The Meridiem's business goals and growth trajectory.
• Build and nurture a strong, inclusive company culture that reflects our values and supports a distributed, remote-first workforce.
• Design and implement compensation and equity frameworks that are competitive, transparent, and scalable.
• Establish a benefits program including health insurance, retirement contributions, wellness stipends, and remote work allowances.
• Create and manage performance review cycles, including goal-setting frameworks, feedback processes, and career development plans.
• Lead organizational design and workforce planning as the company scales headcount.
• Develop policies and handbooks covering remote work, time off, code of conduct, and employee relations.
• Manage employee relations issues with discretion, fairness, and legal compliance.
• Build learning and development programs including mentorship, professional development budgets, and growth opportunities.
• Oversee HR systems and tools (HRIS, payroll, benefits administration) and ensure data integrity.
• Partner with leadership on retention strategies, engagement surveys, and organizational health assessments.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws across all jurisdictions where team members are located.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in people operations, HR management, or a related role, with at least 2 years in a startup or high-growth environment.
• Experience building HR processes, policies, and programs from scratch.
• Deep understanding of compensation design, benefits administration, and equity programs.
• Knowledge of employment law fundamentals across multiple jurisdictions (US required, international a plus).
• Experience with remote-first or distributed team management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Data-driven approach to people decisions — comfortable with metrics, surveys, and analytics.
• Excellent judgment and discretion when handling sensitive employee matters.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience in media, journalism, or creative industry organizations.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience with international employment through EOR platforms (Deel, Remote, Oyster).
• Background in diversity, equity, and inclusion program design.
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms (Rippling, Gusto, BambooHR).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with meaningful equity in a Series A startup.
• Fully remote work with flexible hours.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous PTO and company-wide recharge days.
• Annual learning and development budget.
• The opportunity to define the employee experience at a mission-driven media company.
• Direct partnership with the CEO and leadership team on organizational strategy.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to support@themeridiem.com with the subject line "People Operations Lead Application." Tell us about a people program or cultural initiative you built and the impact it had on the organization. We review applications on a rolling basis and aim to respond within one week.