Director, HR Business Partner

Denali Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company pioneering a new class of biotherapeutics designed to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using its proprietary TransportVehicle™ platform. With the first FDA-approved biologic specifically designed to cross the BBB, a clinically validated delivery platform and a growing portfolio of therapeutic candidates across all stages of development, we are advancing toward our goal of delivering effective medicines to transform the lives of people living with neurodegenerative diseases, lysosomal storage disorders and other serious diseases. We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.

The Director, Human Resources Business Partner will collaborate with functional leadership to develop and execute the Human Resource (HR) strategy for specific functional groups in support of Denali’s organizational goals. The successful candidate will also serve as a primary project lead for cross-functional HR initiatives for the Company. This role requires on-site attendance in the South San Francisco offices.

Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities: Serve as a senior level business partner and advisor to ensure HR outcomes driven by and aligned with Denali’s business strategy and priorities. Collaborate closely with other HR leaders to consult, advise, coach and partner with functional leaders in all areas of HR strategy including Organizational Design, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Compensation, Benefits, and Employee Relations. Develop and execute assessment of internal talent needs and capabilities. Enable internal employee growth and development to achieve organizational goals and retain key talent. Partner with the business to attract, select and onboard highly-specialized talent to the Company. Support the development of organizational compensation and benefit strategies to attract, retain, reward and recognize employees. Partner with people leaders to identify employee performance gaps and to implement solutions in support of growth, improvement and successful business outcomes. Provide input into the effective application of the Company’s HRIS and other HR systems, as well as the development and use of people analytics to drive business outcomes. Collaborate with the Company and broader HR leadership team to plan for and seamlessly execute people-focused initiatives in support of employee engagement, connection, growth and inclusion.

Required Qualifications/Skills: Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 15+ years of broad and progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in HR business partnering roles Experience building teams and implementing HR strategies, including the design, development, implementation, and execution of HR programs Fluency in the use of HR technology tools (HRIS, ATS) Degree focused in HR or a related field of study preferred Pharmaceutical/biotech experience strongly preferred Availability for full-time in-person presence at the South San Francisco offices.

Key competencies:

Alignment with Denali’s core values of trust, unity, grit and growth

Superb cross-functional project leadership including the planning, management, organization and execution of HR programs

Exceptional business judgment and discretion

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to facilitate complex interactions and resolve conflict

Salary Range: $204,000.00 to $265,000.00 . Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits.

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Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

“Life at Denali” is a living reflection of our values: trust, unity, grit and growth. These are not just words we share—they shape how we show up, collaborate and push boundaries together. From the lab to the community, across functions and milestones, our culture thrives on shared purpose and relentless pursuit.