Director of People

Role is 3 day hybrid in Long Beach, CA or San Francisco, CA About the CompanyWe are a high-growth, venture-backed technology company rethinking how a traditionally offline, operationally complex industry works. Our platform brings modern software, data, and automation to an environment that has historically relied on manual processes and outdated systems.We are building a lean, ambitious team focused on solving real-world problems at scale — and doing so with high standards, strong ownership, and a culture that values speed, accountability, and trust.The RoleWe’re looking for a Senior Manager or Director, of People to help scale the organization from ~40 employees to 100+ and beyond, while preserving a high-performance, people-first culture.While we partner with a PEO, this person will be the sole internal owner of HR and recruiting, acting as the architect of our people systems, policies, and culture. You’ll work closely with leadership to design the structure and processes that support growth without sacrificing what makes a startup environment special.This role requires a rare blend of big-company rigor and startup pragmatism — someone who knows how to bring structure, compliance, and best practices into a fast-moving organization without slowing it down.Key ResponsibilitiesPolicy & People InfrastructureDesign, refine, and communicate HR policies aligned with compliance requirements, labor laws, and industry best practicesDevelop and implement a clear compensation philosophy balancing market competitiveness and internal equityStrengthen performance management frameworks to drive accountability while fitting the company’s stage and cultureAdvocate for and implement competitive benefits programs appropriate for a growing teamPerformance & Change ManagementEstablish clear performance standards and a culture of regular, direct feedbackBuild and deliver manager training focused on leadership, accountability, and effective feedbackCoach leaders through difficult conversations and performance improvement plansNavigate the tension between startup autonomy and necessary operational structureProactively address cultural friction as the organization maturesServe as a trusted, visible partner across the company for people, talent, and cultureEmployee Relations & ComplianceHandle employee relations matters with discretion, fairness, and sound judgmentEnsure compliance with employment law, workforce classifications, and ethical standardsManage accommodations, leaves, investigations, and disciplinary processesTalent & RecruitingPartner with leadership on workforce planning, org design, and succession planningReview and continuously improve onboarding experiencesOwn and administer the ATS (e.g., Lever, Ashby), including interview plans, permissions, and workflowsHR OperationsOwn HRIS administration, payroll coordination, and benefits enrollmentGenerate workforce analytics and insights to support leadership decision-makingManage the full employee lifecycle from offer to off boardingRequired Qualifications8+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3–4+ years in a generalist or people-manager roleExperience working with a PEO (e.g., Justworks or similar)Background supporting both hourly and salaried employeesProven ability to operate effectively in high-growth startups while applying structured HR best practicesHands-on experience developing HR policies across compensation, compliance, and performance managementDemonstrated success improving accountability, feedback, and performance cultureBachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Psychology, or a related field