Chief Human Resources Officer at Substack

Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia

Substack Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
N/AIndustries

Requirements

  • 10+ years in HR leadership within SMEs, startups, or fast-growing consumer-driven industries, with direct experience in both building and transforming HR functions
  • Proven track record in scaling HR from early-stage foundations to structured, regional-ready organizations — including setting up systems, policies, and governance that enable sustainable growth
  • Strategic HR expertise: skilled at designing and executing people strategies aligned to business objectives, funding milestones, and expansion plans
  • Organizational design & transformation: experience in redesigning structures, defining role clarity, and leading organizational change programs that prepare companies for the next stage of scale
  • Change management leadership: ability to navigate resistance, manage transitions, and embed new ways of working without disrupting business momentum
  • Talent engine builder: demonstrated success in creating scalable recruitment processes, leadership pipelines, and development programs that fuel growth
  • HR operations mastery: hands-on expertise in payroll, compliance, compensation, and performance systems — with the judgment to balance startup agility and professional structure
  • Commercial mindset: able to link people strategy directly to revenue, productivity, and investor expectations, with a track record of influencing leadership decisions
  • Trusted advisor and operator: capable of engaging at boardroom level while rolling up sleeves to execute day-to-day HR priorities
  • Global/Regional perspective: familiarity with Southeast Asia talent markets, labor laws, and cultural nuances that impact regional expansion

Responsibilities

  • Build and execute HR strategy aligned with business growth priorities
  • Partner with founders and leadership to design the future organizational structure
  • Ensure workforce planning, role clarity, and succession are embedded early
  • Lead employer branding, recruitment, and onboarding to attract high-caliber talent
  • Define competency frameworks, performance systems, and career pathways
  • Create leadership development and succession pipelines to future-proof growth
  • Shape company culture — balancing startup agility with scalable policies
  • Drive employee engagement, retention, and inclusion across teams
  • Ensure people programs reflect both business needs and employee aspirations
  • Standardize HR policies, compensation frameworks, and benefits at scale
  • Ensure compliance with Indonesian labor law and prepare for regional frameworks
  • Introduce HR technology and analytics for data-driven people decisions

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

HR StrategyOrganizational DesignWorkforce PlanningTalent AcquisitionEmployer BrandingOnboardingCompetency FrameworksPerformance ManagementLeadership DevelopmentSuccession PlanningCompany CultureEmployee EngagementRetention StrategiesHR OperationsCompensation FrameworksLabor Law ComplianceHR TechnologyHR Analytics

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this role remote or on-site?

The position is on-site.

What experience is required for the Chief Human Resources Officer role?

Candidates need 10+ years in HR leadership within SMEs, startups, or fast-growing consumer-driven industries, with experience building and transforming HR functions, strategic HR expertise, organizational design, change management, talent acquisition, and HR operations.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What does the company culture focus on in this role?

The role involves shaping company culture by balancing startup agility with scalable policies, driving employee engagement, retention, and inclusion across teams.

What makes a strong candidate for this CHRO position?

A strong candidate has led HR in growth environments, balances business and people strategy with execution, and can partner closely with founders to drive business transformation, with proven experience scaling HR in SMEs or startups.

Substack

Digital publishing platform for subscription-based content

About Substack

Substack is a digital publishing platform that connects writers and readers. It allows creators, such as authors, journalists, and chefs, to share their work through newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and videos. Creators can set their own subscription fees, ranging from $5 to $27 per month, enabling them to earn money directly from their content without relying on traditional publishing or advertising. Substack handles administrative tasks, billing, and technical support, allowing creators to focus on their writing. The platform also helps creators grow their audience, as a significant portion of new subscriptions comes from within the Substack network. Substack earns revenue by taking a percentage of the subscription fees, aligning its success with that of its creators. The goal of Substack is to empower creators to monetize their work while providing the necessary tools for managing and expanding their subscriber base.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2017Year Founded
$97.5MTotal Funding
ANGELCompany Stage
Consumer Software, EntertainmentIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Risks

Enterprise offering may lead to competition with established solutions, straining resources.
Elon Musk's acquisition interest could cause market speculation and investor instability.
Integration with Polymarket may expose Substack to reputational risks and regulatory scrutiny.

Differentiation

Substack empowers creators with a subscription-based model, bypassing traditional revenue streams.
The platform offers built-in marketing, aiding creators in growing their subscriber base.
Substack's tools support diverse content, including newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and videos.

Upsides

Spotify integration broadens podcasters' reach, potentially boosting subscribers and revenue.
Mobile editor launch enhances accessibility, increasing content output and engagement.
Enterprise offering partnership with The Free Press opens new revenue streams for Substack.

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