Kaiko Systems is a Berlin-based maritime technology company making global shipping safer and smarter. Our AI-powered platform helps shipping companies digitalize vessel inspections, compliance, and fleet health, and is trusted by 40+ customers worldwide. In 2026 we joined forces with UniSea, a leading Norwegian maritime software provider, combining startup pace with the strength of an international group.

We are now looking for a People & Culture Manager to be the heartbeat of our Berlin team: someone who keeps our culture strong, our processes running, and our people growing. You will be the go-to person for everything people-related, working directly with the founders and leadership team.

Tasks

Own and develop our company culture: team events, onboarding experiences, rituals, and initiatives that make Kaiko a place people love working at
Run regular check-ins with team members across departments, acting as a trusted, approachable point of contact and surfacing feedback to leadership early
Ensure our performance review cycles happen on time and well: coordinate the process, support managers with preparation, and track follow-ups
Manage the day-to-day people operations: contracts, onboarding/offboarding, HR documentation, and coordination with payroll and external providers
Keep our Berlin office running smoothly: supplies, vendors, equipment, and a workspace people enjoy coming to
Support hiring when we recruit: coordinating interviews, candidate communication, and a great candidate experience
Continuously improve our people processes and tools as we grow within the UniSea Group

Requirements

2-5 years of experience in People Operations, HR, or a similar generalist role, ideally in a startup or scale-up environment
Genuine interest in people: you are empathetic, approachable, and people naturally open up to you
Strong organizational skills and reliability: things you own get done, on time, without reminders
Hands-on mentality: you are comfortable switching between strategic culture work and practical admin tasks in the same day
Discretion and good judgment when handling confidential matters
Fluent German and English
Based in Berlin or willing to relocate; this is an on-site/hybrid role since presence in the office is part of the job

Benefits

High-impact role with direct access to founders and leadership, your work shapes how 40+ people experience their workplace every day
The stability of an international group (UniSea) combined with the speed and ownership of a startup
A diverse, international team of maritime experts, engineers, and commercial talent
Central Berlin office at Münzstraße (Mitte)
Competitive salary, modern equipment, and room to grow the role as we grow
Regular team events, offsites, and a culture that takes itself seriously without being stiff

We would love to hear from you. Send us your CV, no cover letter needed, though a few lines on why this role speaks to you are always welcome. Our process is fast and respectful of your time: a short intro call, an interview with our leadership team, a practical case conversation, and a final chat. You will hear back from us within a few days at every stage.

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