Head of People Operations

About Absci Absci is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing novel therapeutics using generative AI. Our Integrated Drug Creation™ platform combines cutting-edge AI models with a synthetic biology data engine, enabling the rapid design of innovative therapeutics that address challenging therapeutic targets. Absci is a global company headquartered in Vancouver, WA, and maintains offices in New York City, Switzerland, and Serbia. Learn more at or follow us on LinkedIn (@absci), X (@Abscibio), and YouTube. Head of People Operations Remote, Hybrid, or Onsite Vancouver, WA The Head of People Operations reports to the SVP, People & Experience and leads the strategy and execution of scalable, compliant, and AI-enabled people operations. This role toggles between strategic vision and hands-on execution, directly building, optimizing, and operating core people systems and processes. The role owns the full people infrastructure including HR systems and automation, employee lifecycle operations, analytics, talent management, and global workforce operations to drive efficiency, consistency, and a high quality employee experience while intentionally embedding and reinforcing the company’s core values across all programs, processes, and employee interactions. Responsibilities People Systems, AI & Analytics Own, optimize and manage the HR technology ecosystem (HRIS, payroll, benefits, performance, compensation, equity), ensuring strong data integrity, system integration, and user experience. Design and implement automation and AI-enabled workflows across People operations to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and support scalable processes. Build and maintain workforce analytics, including dashboards and reporting, translating talent data into actionable insights and ensuring data accuracy. Negotiate with vendors on platform capabilities, contract terms, and feature enhancements to support strategic priorities. Employee Lifecycle & Programs Oversee day-to-day employee lifecycle operations, ensuring accurate processing, strong data quality, and a consistent employee experience. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support consistency, scalability, and audit readiness. Lead the design and continuous improvement of core People programs (performance management, compensation, engagement, and organizational changes), ensuring they are analytically grounded, manager-friendly, and consistently executed. Compliance & Policy Proactively manage employment compliance, including monitoring regulatory changes, completing required filings, and maintaining mandated postings. Conduct audits and implement corrective actions to ensure ongoing compliance and reduce risk. Develop, administer, and track policies and required training programs, ensuring completion and documentation. Talent & Performance Own the end-to-end performance management architecture from goal setting through annual reviews and calibration with a focus on creating high-performing, accountable teams. Lead talent management programs (talent reviews, succession planning, development planning) to support leadership pipeline and internal mobility. Partner with leaders to assess organizational health and identify and address talent risks. Drive internal mobility infrastructure and leadership capability programs to support career development and succession. Global Operations Manage international workforce operations, including coordination with EOR partners. Oversee People operations vendors, including day-to-day management, contract support, and performance monitoring. You Will Be Successful If You: Deep expertise in HRIS platforms, payroll systems, benefits administration, and HR technology architecture; hands-on configuration, workflow automation, and a proven track record of leading systems implementations, process redesign, and digital modernization efforts required Proven track record managing people operations across a complex, multi-state and/or international workforce. Strong analytical and data storytelling skills; comfortable building executive ready narratives from complex workforce data. Solid HR fundamentals: employee relations, employment law, HR and benefit compliance, performance management, and policy development. Experience designing and executing talent management programs: performance cycles, succession planning, talent reviews, and high-potential development. Demonstrated fluency with AI tools and automation in HR workflows and able to articulate specific examples of how AI was applied to improve HR outcomes. Experience designing learning and development programs, including automated training delivery, onboarding acceleration, and skill-building initiatives. Systems thinker who can simultaneously drive operational rigor and strategic vision. Exceptional cross-functional influencer who builds trusted relationships with Finance, Legal, IT, and business leaders, as well as external vendors and stakeholders. Resilient, solutions-oriented change leader with experience guiding organizations through structural changes, systems transitions, and cultural evolution in fast-paced, evolving environments Qualifications: 10+ years of progressive HR/People Operations experience 3 years in a senior or lead role spanning multiple HR disciplines. Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field preferred. How We Thrive Together: Absci’s Core Values We Believe in the Impossible: We are one team with one finish line: We embrace our differences: We deliver Results: We do the right thing: Innovate because lives depend on it. Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $175,000 - 200,000/year. The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary range for this job at the time of posting. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law Absci offers highly competitive salaries and benefits, including medical, dental, vision insurance, unlimited vacation, parental leave, employee assistance program, voluntary life and disability insurance, annual bonus potential, and 401(k) with a generous company match. Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. Absci is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should request the recruiter or hiring manager or contact View email address on click.appcast.io.