Head of Operations

Head of OperationsLocation: Woodside, CAWork Model: Onsite 4 days per week at HQCompany: CurioEmployment Type: Full-timeVisa Sponsorship: AvailableAbout CurioCurio is built from the ground up with privacy and security at its core, a place where toys and interactive experiences come to life through safe, imaginative play. Our mission is to increase imagination through products that enrich, educate, and entertain kids. We are a small, high-performing team, and every hire has a major impact on the product.Role OverviewWe are looking for a Head of Operations to partner closely with our two cofounders in creating and implementing SOPs, managing all org-wide workstreams, and curating best team practices. A self-starter who can design and run the systems that support our org. We are currently less than 10 FTE and work with over 25+ consultants on project basis.You will work closely with the founders to shape how Curio hires, operates, and grows. You’ll own the full employee lifecycle and ensure the team is set up to do their best work. This includes cross functional projects from recruiting x internal operations x marketing x product.This role requires an expert operations leader who comes with experience growing operations within a startup. Operational rigor, and a deep understanding of how to build healthy, high-performing teams in early-stage environments is highly desirable.ResponsibilitiesOwn and scale Curio’s recruiting function, from sourcing to closing top-tier candidatesDesign and manage HR systems, including onboarding, performance management, and complianceOversee benefits, payroll, and employee lifecycle operationsBuild and maintain internal processes that support a high-functioning, aligned teamPartner with leadership on organizational design, headcount planning, and team structureDevelop and support managers to build strong, healthy teamsPlan and execute company-wide rituals, including quarterly offsites and team eventsImprove operational efficiency across the company by identifying gaps and implementing solutionsServe as a central connector across teams to ensure clarity, alignment, and executionQualifications6–12+ years of experience in operations, people operations, or related rolesExperience building and scaling internal operations at a startup or high-growth companyStrong experience in recruiting and closing high-quality talentDeep understanding of HR fundamentals, including compliance, benefits, and payrollExperience designing and implementing organizational processes and systemsStrong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work closely with leadership and individual contributorsAbility to operate with high ownership and autonomy in an early-stage environmentStrong judgment and ability to prioritize across competing demandsNice to HaveExperience as a first or early operations hire at a startupExperience supporting technical or product-driven teamsFamiliarity with employment law and multi-state or international operationsExperience building performance management and career development frameworksExperience planning and running company offsites or retreatsInterest in AI, hardware, or consumer product companiesExperience building tools or workflows that improve internal efficiencyCompensationSalary: $225 - $250k + equityBenefits: - 401k matching - Life insurance - Health, vision and dental insurance - Quarterly offsites - In-office meals and snacks - F&B stipend - Phone stipend - Commuter stipendTime Off: Unlimited PTOCompensation will be determined based on experience.What We Look ForStrong operator with excellent judgment and attention to detailAbility to build systems from scratch and scale them over timeHigh ownership and reliability — someone the team can depend onStrong people instincts and a commitment to building a healthy cultureAbility to balance structure with speed in a fast-moving environmentWhy CurioSmall team with high ownershipOpportunity to shape the future of AI-powered interactive toysWork at the intersection of AI, hardware, and storytelling