HR Middle | Remote

Octo Games is a Netherlands-registered, fully remote studio building PC/Steam titles with a core focus on Adult (18+) visual novels, plus co-op and simulation projects. We unite 10+ indie teams, grew to 125+ people, and operate with legal presence in the Netherlands and Cyprus.

Content note: some projects include 18+ themes. Comfort with this content is required (e.g., while reviewing portfolios and communicating with candidates).

What are you working on?

• Platforms: PC

For which tasks (responsibilities)?

Role mission

Strengthen the HR function: review and optimize existing HR processes, raise team and leadership effectiveness, support leads and management, and build a clear, transparent KPI/bonus system for key roles.

What you will do

Process review & optimization

• Audit onboarding/offboarding, 1:1s, feedback loops, communications, and policies.

• (Re)build performance review (Light/Deep), competency matrices, and grading.

• Standardize HR docs and procedures for a fully remote model.

Leader & team support

• Coach team leads on delegation, feedback, conflict management, and expectation-setting.

• Run regular team health checks and propose actions to improve productivity & collaboration.

• Facilitate workshops (retros, post-mortems, goals/priorities).

KPI, bonuses & performance management

• Review current approaches to evaluating leads/producers/top management.

• Design or refine KPI/OKR and bonus models aligned with product and team metrics.

• Participate in Performance Review cycles (prep, interviews, grade/comp recommendations).

Analytics & tools

• Track HR metrics: time-to-hire, retention, eNPS, engagement, probation pass.

• Keep ATS (PeopleForce) clean and transparent;

What kind of professional are we looking for?

• 2–4 years in HR in remote or product environments.

• Hands-on experience launching/updating performance reviews, grades, and policies for distributed teams.

• Proven coaching of leads, conflict resolution, and meeting facilitation.

• Confident with HR analytics (from Sheets/Excel to ATS dashboards).

• Solid ATS experience (PeopleForce or similar), clean pipeline hygiene.

• Fluency in Ukrainian or Russian (C1+) and English B1–B2 for calls/documentation.

• Comfort with 18+ content and mature, ethical communication.

What is important for us in a person?

• Gamedev/IT product background; understanding of roles (Unity, GD, 2D/3D, UI/UX, Narrative).

• Experience designing KPI/bonus systems for production roles (leads, producers).

• Running referral programs, employer-branding posts, eNPS/engagement surveys.

• Basic knowledge of contractor frameworks across jurisdictions.

Why do we enjoy working here?

• Fully remote, flexible schedule (desired overlap with CET/EET ≥ 4h).

• 10 paid vacation days/year and 3 paid sick days/year.

• Stable payouts, fast feedback, supportive team.

• Real influence on processes (templates, metrics, tools — taken to production).

• Paid probation — up to 3 months with clear OKRs and weekly check-ins.

• Competitive compensation (discussed during interviews).