Founding People Operations Lead

San Francisco, CA (In-Person)

Full-Time | $160,000–$185,000 Benefits

We're seeking a Founding People Operations Lead to establish and scale the people function at a rapidly growing, venture-backed technology company. This is a unique opportunity to join an ambitious team at a pivotal stage and shape the employee experience from the ground up.

As the first dedicated People Operations hire, you'll create the systems, processes, and programs that support a high-performing organization as it grows. You'll partner closely with leadership to ensure employees have an exceptional experience throughout their journey—from onboarding and development to engagement and career growth.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building structure, improving processes, and creating an environment where teams can do their best work.

• Own and continuously improve the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, internal mobility, employee development, and offboarding
• Create a welcoming and seamless new hire experience, ensuring employees are set up for success from day one
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation
• Serve as the primary owner of HR systems and employee data, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency
• Partner with managers and leadership to support a positive employee experience and strong team culture

• Manage employee benefits programs and relationships with external providers
• Support payroll administration and partner cross-functionally to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Ensure HR practices align with employment regulations, with particular familiarity in California employment law
• Collaborate with legal and external advisors when needed to support evolving people operations needs

• Design and implement scalable HR processes, policies, and workflows
• Improve operational efficiency through thoughtful systems and documentation
• Develop infrastructure that supports future growth while maintaining an exceptional employee experience
• Contribute to future people initiatives such as performance management, manager development, employee engagement, and culture programs

• 4–8 years of experience across HR, People Operations, or Human Resources
• Experience working at a venture-backed startup that has raised at least $10M in funding
• Prior experience as an early People/HR hire at a Series A or Series B company
• Strong knowledge of California employment practices and regulations
• Experience managing HRIS platforms and employee records (Rippling experience is a plus)
• Understanding of payroll administration and benefits operations
• Proven ability to build processes and bring structure to growing organizations
• Strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a people-first approach
• Based in the San Francisco Bay Area and excited to work collaboratively in person

• Experience supporting sales organizations and compensation programs
• Multi-state or international employment experience
• Experience implementing performance management programs
• Exposure to manager enablement, employee engagement, or culture initiatives
• Prior experience with Rippling

• Opportunity to build and own the People function from the ground up
• Direct partnership with company leadership and meaningful influence on organizational growth
• High-impact role with significant ownership and long-term career growth potential
• Collaborative, ambitious, and mission-driven team
• Chance to help shape the employee experience during a transformative stage of company growth

• Competitive salary: $160,000–$185,000
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Commuter benefits
• Daily catered lunch
• Dinner stipend
• $150 monthly wellness benefit

If you're excited about creating exceptional employee experiences, building scalable people systems, and helping a fast-growing company reach its next stage of growth, we'd love to hear from you.