Head of People (U.S.)

Beewise; San Ramon (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Flexible time off

Job summary

Beewise in San Ramon, CA is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of People (U.S.) to lead all HR functions for our U.S. operations including recruitment.

This on-site role reports to the CEO and is the most senior HR position in the U.S., shaping a scalable, compliant, people-first workplace for both office and field teams. You will oversee HR operations, payroll, benefits, and culture initiatives, partner with executives, manage the lead recruiter, and implement data-driven people strategies

Qualifications

• 3+ years leading HR at a startup or scale-up with small to mid-sized teams
• Proven experience shaping people strategy and day-to-day HR operations
• Comfortable being the sole HR leader or part of a lean HR team
• Deep knowledge of multi-state labor laws, especially in California
• Experience supporting field and non-tech workforces
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Data-driven mindset with ability to translate insights into action
• Strong organizational and decision-making abilities

Responsibilities

• Lead all HR functions for U.S. operations, including recruitment and people programs
• Partner with CEO and executive team to align people strategy with business goals
• Design scalable HR systems across onboarding, performance, retention and development
• Oversee payroll, benefits, and compensation planning with Finance
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Develop and monitor HR analytics to drive improvements
• Manage U.S. lead recruiter and field teams across regions
• Foster inclusive, values-driven culture across offices and field sites

Skills

HR strategy

People leadership

Multi-state law

Data-driven

Communication

Change management

Stakeholder management

Tools

TriNet

Gusto

HiBob

Justworks

BambooHR

Job description

Head of People - US

Location: San Ramon, CA

Work Mode: On-site, 5 days a week

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Employment Type: Full-time

About Beewise

At Beewise, we’re on a mission to save the most important pollinators on Earth—bees—and we’re the only company on the planet doing it at scale.

We’ve developed the world’s first autonomous beekeeping platform, combining cutting-edge AI, precision robotics, and a deep respect for nature to radically transform how pollination and colony care are done. Our solution actively protects bees from climate change, disease, and other modern threats—bringing about a meaningful, measurable impact on biodiversity and food security.

We’re not just a tech company. We’re a movement—and we’re growing fast.

Our U.S. team currently includes approximately 55 passionate individuals (15 in the office and 40 in the field), with plans to significantly grow in the coming years—multiplying our employee count as we expand our impact across agriculture and the environment.

Role Overview

Beewise is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of People (U.S.) to lead all HR functions for our U.S. operations—including recruitment. You’ll be based at our HQ in San Ramon, CA, where the team works on-site five days a week. This position reports directly to the CEO and is the most senior HR role in the U.S., responsible for shaping a healthy, scalable, compliant, and people-first environment for both our office and field-based teams.

You will oversee all aspects of HR, acting as an HRBP for the management team and leading initiatives across employee experience, benefits, payroll, performance cycles, and compliance. You’ll also manage our lead recruiter, who handles all recruiting efforts.

This is a rare opportunity to build and own the HR roadmap of a fast-scaling, mission-driven startup with a unique team structure—spanning technologists, beekeepers, sales professionals, and operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Team Growth

• Work closely with the CEO and executive team to align people strategy with business goals

• Design scalable systems for the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding and performance management to retention and organizational development

• Use HR metrics and data to track health indicators and drive continuous improvement

• Employee Experience & Culture

• Champion a strong, inclusive, and values-aligned company culture across roles and locations

• Design and lead employee engagement, welfare, and recognition initiatives

• Act as a trusted advisor and point of contact for all employee relations matters

• HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain and evolve policies, procedures, and handbooks in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations

• Oversee HRIS systems and employee records

• Ensure ongoing legal compliance for both office-based and field roles across multiple states

• Payroll, Benefits & Compensation

• Oversee payroll processes in coordination with Finance

• Manage and optimize health insurance, PTO, 401(k), and other benefit plans

• Provide strategic guidance on compensation structures and equity planning

• Team Management

• Manage the U.S. lead recruiter, ensuring alignment between hiring, onboarding, and long-term HR strategy

• Partner with operations leaders to address the unique needs of field employees across regions

What We're Looking For

Required

• 3+ years in a startup environment (sub-200 employees) in a senior HRBP or Head of People capacity

• Proven experience leading an HR department, including people strategy and day-to-day operations

• Comfortable being the sole HR leader or working within a lean HR team

• Deep knowledge of multi-state labor laws, especially in California

• Experience supporting non-tech workforces (e.g., technicians, field operators, sales teams)

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills—empathetic, clear, and engaging

• Highly data-driven, with the ability to translate insights into action

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and decision-making skills

Desired Skills

• Experience in agri-tech, robotics, climate tech, or similarly mission-driven operational startups

• Background supporting both desk-based and mobile/field teams

• Spanish language skills

• Familiarity with tools like TriNet, Gusto, HiBob, Justworks, BambooHR, or similar

Why Join Us?

• Shape the future of HR at a company making a global ecological impact

• Be part of a tight-knit, collaborative, and visionary leadership team

• Enjoy a high-autonomy role with a clear mission and room to grow

• Join an organization where technology meets purpose—every day

Compensation Range: $180,000 – $210,000 per year

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, flexible time off, and more

Job posting details for Head of People (U.S.) at Beewise in San Ramon, CA. Compensation / salary range: $180,000 – $210,000 per yearWe offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, flexible time off, and more. ClimateTechList gathers 9,000+ job openings from over 480 climate tech companies and updates them daily.