People Operations Manager

WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. WHY JOIN US - Work on a civilisation-scale problem - Clean, baseload fusion energy is one of the few genuinely world-changing challenges, and every hire in Finance, People, or Legal directly accelerates the path to a working stellarator. - Grow as fast as the company does - With headcount set to roughly 5x in a few years and major technical milestones ahead on the path to our demo machine and first power plant, your role grows under you; today's hire is tomorrow's function lead. - Tackle problems that don't exist elsewhere - Fusion sits at a rare intersection of deep-tech R&D, industrial procurement, government relations, and venture financing, so non-tech functions face challenges no other workplace can offer. YOUR IMPACT As a People Operations Specialist, you'll help build the operational foundation that enables our teams to thrive as we grow internationally. Your work will ensure our people processes are efficient, scalable, and employee-centric. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Coordinate day-to-day people operations so everything runs smoothly across regions. - Manage the administration of key employee lifecycle processes (onboarding, offboarding, etc.) and keep improving how they work. - Spot inefficiencies and suggest practical improvements that align with business priorities. - Use tools and systems to simplify people processes and make them more scalable. - Work closely with teams across the business to drive projects from start to finish. - Maintain clear SOPs and policies so people processes are consistent across locations. - Resolve day-to-day people queries around people topics - Partner effectively with external providers (payroll, benefits, etc.) to ensure smooth and reliable service delivery. - Track compliance and manage risks across the regions you support. WHO YOU ARE - Leading with empathy and sensitivity - Advanced knowledge of HRIS systems, particularly HiBob - Ability to handle complex projects, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail - Familiarity with AI-driven workflows and continuous improvement methodologies - Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner - Fluent German language skills INTERVIEW PROCESS - Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) - Technical Screening (30 min) - Technical Panel (3x60 min) *This role sits at "PF2" of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.