Vice President Human Resources

Job Description

Summary

Our client is a Series A cybersecurity startup scaling fast. They're looking for their first VP of Human Resources to build the people function from the ground up. This is a hands-on role: owning HR operations, employee experience, and people programs while partnering closely with the founder.

Responsibilities

• Build the HR function from scratch: policies, programs, and systems
• Partner with the founder on org design, headcount planning, and people strategy
• Own employee relations, compliance, and HR operations across the U.S.
• Set up core HR infrastructure (HRIS, payroll, benefits, PEO)
• Build compensation, leveling, and performance management frameworks
• Design onboarding and engagement programs that scale with growth
• Partner with recruiting on hiring plans and headcount priorities
• Track people metrics to guide decisions as the team grows
• Hire and manage an HR team as headcount allows

Requirements

• 10+ years in HR, including building a people function from zero to one
• Track record as a founding or first senior HR hire at a company that has since scaled
• Hands-on experience across HR operations, employee relations, and compliance
• Experience supporting rapid headcount growth, from 50 to 200+ employees
• Comfort building policy and process from scratch, not just optimizing existing ones
• Direct experience choosing and implementing HR systems (HRIS, payroll, benefits)
• Experience in cybersecurity or other high-growth tech environments
• Strong stakeholder management with founders and executives