Human Resources Manager

Position Summary

The Human Resources Manager will serve as a key operational leader within the HR function, managing core HR programs and processes across the employee lifecycle. This role is highly hands‑on and partners closely with leadership, managers, and external vendors to ensure compliant, efficient, and employee‑focused HR operations in a dynamic biotech environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong HR generalist experience, a high degree of professionalism, and the ability to balance day‑to‑day execution with continuous process improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle

• Manage day‑to‑day HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, employee records, and HRIS data integrity
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee questions related to policies, benefits, and employment practices
• Ensure accurate and timely execution of employee changes (status changes, promotions, transfers, terminations)

Compliance & Employee Relations

• Ensure compliance with federal, state (especially California), and local employment laws
• Support employee relations matters including investigations, performance issues, and corrective actions in partnership with the VP of HR
• Maintain and administer HR policies, ensuring alignment with evolving legal and business requirements

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Support administration of health, welfare, and retirement programs (including coordination with brokers and vendors)
• Manage leaves of absence (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA accommodations) and ensure consistent application of policies

Performance & Talent Support

• Support performance management processes, including annual reviews, goal setting, and manager guidance
• Partner with Talent Acquisition on recruiting coordination, offer processes, and onboarding experience
• Contribute to employee engagement initiatives, training programs, and culture‑building efforts

Payroll Administration

• Prepare, review, and process multi‑state payroll accurately and on schedule, ensuring compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws
• Partner with Payroll vendors and Finance to validate payroll changes, bonuses, equity‑related impacts, and off‑cycle payments
• Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, and year‑end activities
• Serve as a key liaison for employee payroll inquiries and issue resolution

Immigration & Global Mobility

• Manage the company’s immigration program, partnering with external counsel on visa strategy, filings, renewals, and compliance
• Support employees and managers through immigration processes including H‑1B, TN, O‑1, and green card sponsorship where applicable
• Maintain accurate immigration records and tracking to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration and employment eligibility requirements
• Advise leadership on immigration risks, timelines, and workforce planning implications

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Support the design and execution of employee engagement initiatives, including onboarding programs, employee events, and internal communications
• Administer engagement surveys and partner with leadership to analyze results and implement action plans
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to promote a positive, inclusive, and high‑performance culture aligned with company values
• Support recognition programs and wellness initiatives to enhance employee experience and retention

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 5–8 years of progressive HR generalist or HR operations experience
• Strong working knowledge of California employment law
• Experience supporting benefit administration and employee relations
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and follow‑through skills
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and judgment skills

Preferred

• Experience in biotech, life sciences, or high‑growth technology environments
• Experience supporting international employees or working with global vendors
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP/SHRM‑SCP) a plus