Director, People Operations

ELKA Search Partners; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ELKA Search Partners, on behalf of a clinical-stage biotechnology client, seeks a hands-on Head of HR Operations to translate priorities into action and own day-to-day HR operations. You will partner with the Head of Human Resources to drive programs from planning through implementation across HR systems, compliance, benefits, and the employee lifecycle.

In this fast-paced, highly regulated biopharma environment, you will lead scalable processes, manage projects end-to-end, and support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience with hands-on HR Operations or People Operations in a growing organization.
• Ability to independently lead complex HR programs from planning to ongoing administration.
• Experience implementing scalable HR systems and processes for a growing company.

Responsibilities

• Own and improve core HR operations including systems, data, records, org charts, compliance, policies, training, communications, and HR calendar.
• Lead HR technology implementations and process optimization, including future HRIS/ATS initiatives with documentation and governance.
• Manage annual People programs such as performance reviews, compensation, equity, benefits, and Open Enrollment.
• Oversee end-to-end employee lifecycle processes from offer to offboarding, onboarding, leaves, changes, and exits.
• Lead new HR initiatives from planning to implementation, coordinating stakeholders and vendors with Finance and counsel.
• Support recruiting and broader People programs, including interview processes, metrics, and engagement initiatives.

Skills

HR operations

HRIS/ATS

Project management

Data privacy

Employee lifecycle

Recruiting operations

Communication

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Job description

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.