Director, People Business Partner #4428

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the SVP of Development and Operations (based in Menlo Park) and the VP of Operations (based in RTP) as a trusted advisor on people and organizational matters, helping to shape and execute the people strategy that supports team effectiveness, culture, and business goals.
• Design and implement organizational structures that scale with business growth, driving clarity, effectiveness, and accountability. Guide leaders and employees through organizational changes, ensuring effective communication and support during transitions. 
• Drive change management initiatives that help teams adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment, partnering with leaders to develop and implement effective communication plans that support clarity, alignment, and engagement.
• Solve complex employee relations (ER) issues with fairness, legal compliance, and thoughtful care.
• Guide leaders on performance management, development, coaching, compensation, team, and organizational effectiveness initiatives.
• Facilitate and drive all core people programs, including performance reviews, calibrations, compensation planning, engagement surveys, succession planning, talent reviews, and workforce planning.
• Build trusted relationships across all levels to foster stronger collaboration and enhance employee engagement.
• Utilize HR data and analytics to deliver actionable insights and inform evidence-based decision-making.
• Collaborate with Centers of Excellence (Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Culture & Community, Legal, People Ops) to deliver integrated, scalable people programs.
• Support employees in both exempt and non-exempt roles with tailored HR strategies.
• Collaborate with the Site Lead, Facilities, Safety, Security, IT, and Site Operations to maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging workplace while ensuring compliance with employment, policy, and health & safety standards.
• Partner on site-wide initiatives such as safety drills, training, and audits through an HR lens that promotes communication, readiness, and employee engagement.
• Embed the company’s mission, vision, and values into daily employee experiences by modeling ethical behavior, accountability, and inclusion across the RTP sit​e.​Foster community and belonging through engagement programs, culture-building events, and open communication channels such as town halls and feedback sessions that amplify the employee voice.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive People Partner experience, including direct support of lab operations, consisting of employees in both exempt and non-exempt roles; currently operating at a Director level or equivalent.
• Proven success in influencing and advising senior leaders, especially during organizational shifts or transformations.
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to develop, lead, and oversee cross-functional initiatives from concept through execution.
• Deep experience with change management, organizational design, and enabling leadership effectiveness.
• Skilled in coaching and development of people managers and leadership teams.
• Strong understanding of employee relations, HR compliance, and employment law, with the ability to manage complex employee relations matters and drive timely, thoughtful resolutions. Skilled at coaching managers through sensitive issues and helping them navigate challenges with confidence and empathy.
• Experience supporting operations, technical, scientific, or life sciences teams is highly preferred.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution—no task is too big or too small.
• Proficiency with people analytics and tools like Google Sheets, Slides, or HRIS platforms.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and a growth mindset.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or HR certifications are a plus.
• A collaborative, big-picture thinker who can also operationalize strategy effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose organizational challenges and implement scalable solutions.
• Comfortable working in agile, matrixed environments with shifting priorities.
• Passion for mission-driven work and building a culture where people can thrive.