Director of HR

Socket.dev; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 240,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pre-IPO equity

Health insurance

PTO

Flexible work environment

Professional development

Employee recognition

Parental leave

Job summary

Versa Networks is seeking a Director of Human Resources to build people programs, processes, and policies for a rapidly growing global organization. You will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership while also hands-on in daily HR operations.

Ideal candidate will develop long-term people strategies, scale HR infrastructure, and ensure compliance across countries. Location: Santa Clara, CA; remote/hybrid options available; compensation ranges from $240k–$280k with equity considerations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience with 2–3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience building HR programs and infrastructure from scratch in high-growth tech.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. employment law and international compliance.
• Strong generalist background spanning talent management, total rewards, compliance, and employee relations.
• Data-driven mindset with ability to translate HR metrics into leadership insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR infrastructure and operations for a global organization.
• Own payroll processes and ADP Workforce Now for U.S. employees; ensure compliance.
• Develop onboarding, performance management, and leadership training programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and advise on immigration.
• Partner with executives on org design, workforce planning, and change management.

Skills

HR leadership

HRIS implementation

ADP Workforce Now

Policy development

People operations

Talent management

Change management

Data-driven HR

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

HRIS

Job description

About Us

At Versa Networks, we're revolutionizing the way businesses connect, secure, and optimize their networks. Our mission s to secure anywhere, anytime access to anything. As a leader in Secure SD-WAN, SSE (Secure Service Edge), SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and Next-generation Managed Services, we are empowering organizations across the globe to transform their IT infrastructure for the modern cloud era. Our innovative products enable enterprises to deliver a seamless, scalable, and secure digital experience, no matter where their users, devices, or applications are located. Founded by industry veterans and backed by premier venture capital firms, Versa is a market leader driving innovation and growth as it positions itself for a future IPO.

We believe in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer success. Our team is comprised of passionate, forward-thinking professionals dedicated to driving the future of networking technology. We encourage creativity, offer opportunities for growth, and provide a dynamic environment where our people can thrive and make an impact.

At Versa Networks, we don’t just build products – we build relationships, elevate businesses, and shape the digital future. Join us and be part of a fast-paced, cutting-edge company that's making a real difference in how the world connects and communicates.

About the Role

Versa Networks is seeking a Director of Human Resources – a foundational leadership opportunity for an experienced HR professional who enjoys building from the ground up. As the Director of Human Resources, you will establish the people programs, processes, systems, and policies that support a rapidly growing global organization. You will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership while remaining hands‑on in the day‑to‑day execution of HR operations.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing long‑term people strategies and rolling up their sleeves to solve operational challenges. You’ll lead the evolution of our HR infrastructure, ensure compliance across multiple countries, enhance the employee experience, and build scalable processes that support our continued growth.

What You’ll Do

HR Infrastructure & Operations

• Evaluate, select, and implement a company‑wide HRIS to centralize employee data, streamline workflows, and scale HR operations globally.
• Own and optimize our use of ADP Workforce Now for payroll across U.S. employees; ensure accuracy, compliance, and a smooth employee experience.
• Establish and maintain HR policies, employee handbooks, and standard operating procedures that reflect Versa's culture and meet multi‑jurisdiction requirements.
• Build and manage compliant onboarding and offboarding processes for employees in the U.S. and international locations.

Talent & People Development

• Partner with hiring managers and recruiting to support talent acquisition strategy, offer approvals, and a consistent candidate experience.
• Design and drive employee onboarding programs that accelerate integration and reduce time‑to‑productivity.
• Develop and implement performance management frameworks, including goal‑setting, feedback cycles, and manager coaching.
• Develop manager training and leadership development programs
• Build career development pathways and learning programs that support retention and internal mobility.

Total Rewards & Compensation

• Lead compensation benchmarking and job architecture efforts to ensure Versa remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
• Manage and evolve employee benefits programs across the U.S. and international markets, with a focus on equity, value, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Oversee equity administration and ensure employees understand and appreciate their total compensation.

Compliance & Employee Relations

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws in the U.S., and work with local counsel and PEO partners to manage international compliance obligations.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers on HR policies, workplace concerns, and conflict resolution.
• Manage employee relations matters with discretion, fairness, and legal soundness.
• Partner with legal on immigration, employment agreements, and other employment‑related matters.

Culture & Employee Experience

• Champion Versa's culture and values, creating programs and touchpoints that reinforce belonging and engagement across a distributed global workforce.
• Develop a cadence of employee feedback (surveys, focus groups) and translate insights into action.
• Partner with leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, and change management as the company scales.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2–3 years in a senior HR leadership role.
• Proven experience building HR programs and infrastructure from scratch — ideally in a high‑growth technology or startup environment.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. employment law; working familiarity with international HR compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong generalist background spanning talent management, total rewards, compliance, and employee relations.
• Excellent judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or complex employee matters.
• A track record of building trust with employees at all levels — from individual contributors to the executive team.
• Data‑driven mindset with the ability to translate HR metrics into actionable insights for leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• SHRM‑SCP, SPHR, or equivalent certification
• Hands‑on experience with ADP Workforce Now
• Experience evaluating and implementing an HRIS strongly preferred
• Experience implementing scalable HR processes in companies transitioning from startup to enterprise scale.

Location: Santa Clara, CA
*Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment in California, Washington, or New York City is expected in the range of $240,000 to $280,000. A candidate’s specific pay within this range will depend on a variety of factors, including job‑related skills, training, location, experience, relevant education, certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Why Versa?

At Versa Networks, we believe in taking care of our people – both professionally and personally. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well‑being, growth, and work‑life balance of our employees. When you join our team, you can expect:

• Competitive Salary & Incentives: We offer a competitive compensation package with and pre- IPO equity to reward your hard work and dedication.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to ensure you and your family stay healthy and covered.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy a generous PTO policy that includes vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays to recharge and take care of personal matters.
• Flexible Work Environment: We understand the importance of work‑life balance. Enjoy the flexibility of remote work, and hybrid option to create the work schedule that works best for you.
• Professional Development: We believe in continuous learning. Access to training, certifications, and educational resources to help you grow in your career and stay ahead of industry trends.
• Employee Recognition: We celebrate achievements both big and small, with regular recognition programs and awards that highlight your contributions to our collective success.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive team where innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.
• Parental Leave: Generous parental leave policies to support you during life's important moments.

At Versa Networks, our benefits are designed to help you thrive both inside and outside the office. Join us and experience a rewarding, fulfilling career in a supportive environment that values your health, happiness, and success.

Versa Networks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.