Draycott is a leading diversified, multi-asset alternative asset manager in Portugal, with the ambition to become the trusted partner for Portuguese savings. We invest across four complementary strategies - Private Equity & Growth, Real Estate, Venture Capital and Fund of Funds - under a single underwriting discipline and a consistent value-creation playbook.
Built on nearly two decades of investing and brought together as an institutional platform in 2022, Draycott today manages more than €3 billion in alternative assets with a team of over 100 professionals. In June 2026 we acquired 100% of Square AM — the largest open-ended real estate fund manager in the Iberian Peninsula — which for the first time gives us presence in the banking channels where Portuguese people actually save.
The team will scale from 35 to around 150 people over the next 18 months. It is in this context that we are looking for a Head of People to lead the build-out and transformation of the organisation.
This role is not a back-office function – it's a strategic and operational position with direct visibility to the CEO and the leadership team at a moment when every person's decision has a real impact on the business. In the early stage, the role will be very hands-on, with the potential to grow into a partnership role as the organization scales.
Responsibilities
Lead the team's growth from 35 to ~150 people, designing and executing an aggressive, high-quality hiring strategy focused on tech-driven, multifaceted profiles with a builder mindset;
Manage the integration of 3-4 distinct organisational structures, addressing redundancies, aligning cultures and ensuring a structured transition of people;
Support the leadership team in scaling - in skills, management style and ability to lead larger and more complex teams - navigating tensions and egos throughout the merger processes;
Drive the cultural transformation of the organisation: from a more traditional logic to a meritocratic, tech-driven and results-oriented culture, where top performers are retained and well rewarded;
Implement a performance management system with real consequences - not only recognising top performers, but also bringing clarity and transparency where results fall short;
Develop internal and external talent assessment and development frameworks, applicable both to Draycott and to portfolio companies;
Mentor and develop the junior team member currently in the HR function;
Contribute to the continuous improvement of people and organisational processes.
What we expect from you
Strong experience in talent acquisition and/or generalist HR, ideally in high-growth, tech or startup environments;
Builder mindset - comfortable building from scratch, without relying on established structures;
Tech-driven - active user of digital and AI tools in your day-to-day work, naturally curious about how technology is reshaping the way we work;
Experience or strong instinct for leadership development, succession planning and performance management;
Ability to operate confidently with senior stakeholders and to influence without formal authority;
Strategic vision, without losing the ability to roll up your sleeves when needed;
Multifaceted profile — with transversal knowledge across HR areas, even if specialised in talent;
Fluent Portuguese and professional-level English.
Access to the Draycott Catalyst Program (a pioneering initiative in Portugal that offers every employee the opportunity to invest directly - alongside the company - in Private Equity, Real Estate and Venture Capital).