Talent & People Lead - GoodShip

Who We Are

GoodShip is the first all-in-one platform for freight orchestration and procurement. Our innovative software helps shippers optimize their truckload freight spend and service outcomes while enhancing collaboration among internal teams and carrier partners.

The US domestic truckload freight market is massive – the industry generated revenues of $941 billion across 11.46 billion tons of product shipped in 2022. Our technology is optimizing freight outcomes for our customers, a rapidly growing roster which includes some of the industry’s largest and most recognizable brands. Our software automates previously tedious and resource-intensive tasks, and unites disparate data sources to provide a holistic view of network performance. We provide shippers with best-in-class intelligence, a purpose-built procurement workflow, and the tools to collaborate more effectively and initiate corrective action directly within the GoodShip platform.

We’re backed by A-list venture firms and founders of industry-leading FreightTech companies, and were recently recognized in the FreightWaves FreightTech 25 and the BCV x Headline Vertical SaaS 50. With ample financial backing and strong traction, we’re seeking a talented Talent & People Lead to join us on the ground floor and help bring ultra-modern transportation technology to market.

About the Role

As our first dedicated People hire, the Talent & People Lead will take on a foundational role in building and scaling our team and people programs. This is a hybrid, Seattle-based role, ideal for someone excited to engage with team members in-person, shape culture intentionally, and establish the systems that support a high-performing organization. You’ll own full-cycle recruiting, early-stage people operations, and quasi–office manager responsibilities like overseeing our physical workspace and facilitating in-office logistics. You’ll work closely with operations leadership and have a meaningful, visible impact on the company’s growth and trajectory.

You Will

• Own Full-Cycle Recruiting
  Source, engage, and close top talent across functions including engineering, product, operations, and go-to-market. Build structured, inclusive hiring processes and ensure a top-tier candidate experience.

• Build People Ops Foundations
  Set up core people processes (onboarding, performance, feedback, compensation calibration, etc.) and ensure we’re creating scalable systems that support our growing team.

• Develop Employer Brand
  Help define and communicate GoodShip’s employer brand through content, candidate touchpoints, and external partnerships. Tell our story in a way that attracts the best talent in FreightTech and SaaS.

• Partner with Leadership
  Collaborate closely with operations leadership and department leads to anticipate hiring needs, define roles, and ensure we’re bringing in the right talent at the right time.

• Champion Culture and Engagement
  Support initiatives that promote engagement, inclusivity, recognition, and cross-functional connection—especially within a hybrid team setup.

• Manage In-Office Operations
  Own light office management duties including ordering supplies, coordinating in-office events, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring a smooth, welcoming workplace environment for our Seattle-based team.

The Ideal Candidate

• Brings 4–6 years of experience in recruiting, people operations, or a hybrid talent role—ideally within early-stage, venture-backed tech companies.

• Has experience hiring across a range of functions, including technical and business roles.

• Is passionate about building great teams and cultures, not just filling seats.

• Thrives in high-autonomy environments and can balance structure with speed.

• Is excited to create things from scratch—processes, systems, culture rituals—and iterate over time.

• Brings a hands-on mindset and is energized by both people-focused and operational work.

• Leads with empathy, clarity, and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in recruiting, HR, or people operations.

• Experience managing full-cycle recruiting in a startup or high-growth company.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills; comfortable working with executives and ICs alike.

• Familiarity with tools like ATSs (e.g., Lever, Greenhouse), onboarding software, and HR systems.

• Experience supporting or managing a physical office environment in a hybrid setup.

• Based in the Seattle area and able to work in a hybrid model with regular in-office presence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity in GoodShip

• 100% employer-paid health benefits

• Unlimited PTO

• Winter break the week of December holidays

• Hybrid work environment (Seattle-based)

• Destination team off-sites