We're Hiring a People Manager for the NORAM region in San Diego, CA

Summary

Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid)

Industry: Cybersecurity

Team Size: 2–3 direct reports

Reports to: Global People Team (Slovakia HQ) and local Operations Manager

Travel: 1x/year to Slovakia

Compensation: $120,000–$180,000 base bonus (depending on experience)

Team Coverage: Supporting :200 U.S. employees and up to 30 in Canada

Job Description

About ESET

ESET is a global cybersecurity company with European roots and a growing presence in North America. Our U.S. office is based in sunny San Diego, with team members across the U.S. and Canada. Backed by an HQ based in Slovakia, we're on a mission to build a strong and supportive People function in the North America region

The Role

This isn’t an average HR position. As a People Manager, you’ll be the go-to person for all people-related topics in the region, advising leadership, running core People operations, and ensuring local practices align with our global strategy. This is a standalone role that blends strategy with hands-on execution, perfect for someone excited to shape the employee experience in a tight-knit, collaborative office environment where everyone knows each other.

If you’re the kind of person who’s ready to roll up your sleeves, build trust, and drive impactful People initiatives — this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage day-to-day people operations in the NORAM region
• Partner with local managers to support hiring, onboarding, development, and retention
• Drive employee engagement and help shape our local culture
• Support compensation, benefits, and performance cycles
• Ensure compliance with U.S. and (where needed) Canadian labor laws
• Align local practices with global People policies and initiatives
• Mentor and support a small People team
• Manage reporting, data accuracy, payroll coordination, and People budget
• Support DEI and CSR activities in line with company values
• Guide employee relations and help managers navigate team topics
• Work closely with HQ to share feedback, adapt initiatives, and keep local voices heard
  
  

Who You Are

• You have 7 years of People/HR experience, ideally in a standalone or senior generalist role
• You’ve worked in international environments and can balance local needs with global strategy
• Deep knowledge of U.S. employment law; Canadian knowledge is a plus
• A trusted advisor with excellent communication skills, empathy, and sound judgment
• A natural problem solver who can flex between operational tasks and strategic thinking
• Comfortable managing and mentoring a small team
• Fluent in English (written & spoken); Slovak/Czech is a bonus
  
  

What We Offer

• Hybrid work model in San Diego with autonomy over your schedule
• Competitive base salary ($120,000–$180,000) annual bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous PTO and flexible work environment
• Opportunity to travel annually to the European HQ in Slovakia
• A smaller, tight-knit office with a collaborative, “family-like” atmosphere
• The chance to shape a growing People function and work cross-continentally
  
  

This Role is for You if You...

✔ Thrive in dynamic, scaling environments

✔ Enjoy building and improving People processes from the ground up

✔ Like being hands-on while also influencing strategy

✔ Are excited about shaping culture, not just policies

✔ Want to work closely with global teams while having local ownership





At ESET, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are integral to our corporate culture. We believe in creating a respectful environment, where everyone feels valued and respected, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including race, gender, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.