Director, People Operations

Our client is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for diseases with significant unmet need. The company has built a collaborative, experienced leadership team and is advancing a growing clinical pipeline. With a collaborative, science-driven culture and continued organizational growth, the company is looking to strengthen its HR infrastructure and People Operations capabilities to support its next stage of development. About the Role The ideal candidate is a hands-on HR leader who combines strong operational experience with the willingness to personally execute the work. This individual will work closely with the Head of Human Resources to translate priorities into action, take ownership of day-to-day HR operations, and lead programs and projects from planning through implementation and ongoing operation. Responsibilities: Own and continuously improve core HR operations, including HR systems, employee data and records, organizational charts, compliance documentation, policies, required training, HR communications, and the annual HR operating calendar. Lead the implementation, administration, and optimization of HR technology and processes, including future HRIS/ATS initiatives, while developing supporting documentation, manager resources, forms, templates, reporting, and process governance. Manage the operational execution of key annual People programs, including performance reviews, goal setting, merit and bonus cycles, compensation reporting, equity administration, benefits, and Open Enrollment. Oversee employee lifecycle processes from offer through offboarding, including offer documentation, background checks, onboarding and orientation, employee changes, leaves, benefits administration, executive onboarding support, and exit processes. Own HR projects and new initiatives from planning through implementation, coordinating stakeholders, timelines, communications, vendors, Finance, employment counsel, and external partners while ensuring programs are successfully adopted and maintained. Support and continuously improve recruiting and broader People programs, including interview processes, hiring manager resources, recruiting metrics, employee engagement, recognition programs, and other initiatives as organizational needs evolve. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, with significant hands-on HR Operations or People Operations experience, ideally within a small, growing, or scaling organization. Broad HR expertise spanning HR operations, performance management, compensation, benefits, HR systems, compliance, recruiting operations, onboarding, and the broader employee lifecycle. Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex HR programs and projects from initial planning and implementation through ongoing administration and continuous improvement. Strong experience implementing and administering HR systems and building scalable processes, resources, and infrastructure appropriate for a growing organization. Exceptional project management, organizational, communication, and attention‑to‑detail skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound judgment and discretion with sensitive information. Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment; experience within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or another highly regulated industry is strongly preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr ELKA Search Partners