Kelluu is a Finnish technology company with the world’s largest airship fleet. We design, manufacture, and operate autonomous, hydrogen-powered airships that collect highly accurate data for defence, infrastructure, and environmental use. We work in Finland and internationally, with headquarters in Joensuu and offices in Helsinki and Tampere. Kelluu employs around 50 experts, and the team is growing fast. Learn more: kelluu.com.

We are looking to fill a new role with a

HEAD OF PEOPLE & CULTURE

who has already gained experience in supporting growth within the scale-up environment.

We are entering a significant phase of growth and building the organization for its next stage. We operate in a highly regulated, security-sensitive dual-use and defense technology environment, where international markets play a central role.

This is the company’s first dedicated people role. There are no established HR structures or processes in place – you will create them. As Head of People & Culture, you will build the foundations that enable Kelluu to scale in a controlled, responsible, and secure way while staying closely involved in day-to-day execution.

What you will do

You will shape and own the people and organizational strategy in alignment with business goals and international growth plans. From the outset, you will be responsible for building core HR foundations from the scratch, including employment models, compensation principles, and leadership practices.

You will lead critical early-stage recruitments, especially for mission- and security-critical roles. This year alone, we will hire approximately 50 new team members in Finland – strong recruitment and talent acquisition expertise is essential for success in this role.

You will act as a close thought partner to the CEO and Management team, supporting them in people, leadership, and organizational decisions. You will help first-time managers and emerging leaders develop their leadership capabilities and bring clarity and structure where processes and roles are still forming.

Operating in a dual-use and defense context, you will ensure that all people practices comply with regulatory, security, and compliance requirements.

You will help build a culture where high performance and responsibility go hand in hand. We are looking for a credible and hands-on leader who brings expertise that does not yet exist in the leadership team – someone who combines strategic vision with practical execution.

Initially, this is a highly operational builder role. As the organization grows and expands internationally, the scope will evolve into a comprehensive people leadership position with direct influence on how the company operates and the kind of organization it becomes.

Who you are

You have experience building HR practices or organizations from the ground up in a scaling environment. You combine strategic thinking with strong execution skills. You know Finnish labor law. EU citizenship is sufficient. You are motivated by meaningful and complex work and thrive under pressure and ambiguity. Experience in defense, aerospace, deep tech, or other highly regulated industries is an advantage but not a requirement. This position is based in Finland and requires occasional travel to Joensuu, approximately two days per month. You will regularly visit all current and future Kelluu sites in Finland and abroad.

Good to know

Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.  Fluency in Finnish is a strong asset. The salary for this position is approximately 5,000- 6,000 €/ per month, depending on experience and skills. The role requires a background that allows for reliable information to be obtained for a security clearance. A Finnish Security Intelligence Service (SUPO) security clearance will be carried out for the selected candidate.

Interested?

If this opportunity resonates with you and you recognize yourself in the description, we would love to continue the conversation and tell you more about Kelluu as an employer and the role in detail.

The application period is open until 29 January 2026, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

For further information, please contact our recruitment partners at Porkkana ja keppi Oy:
📞 Emppu +358 400 710141
📞 Kaisa +358 44 5886109