People Operations & Programs

Summary

Join SandboxAQ as their Head of People Operations & Programs to lead and develop HR functions, build scalable systems, and foster a thriving employee experience. This hands-on leadership role requires driving data-driven insights, designing job architecture, enhancing recognition programs, and optimizing HR processes. You will mentor a team, ensuring efficient, equitable, and impactful HR operations. The ideal candidate possesses extensive global HR experience, expertise in mergers and acquisitions, and a proven ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making. This role offers a competitive salary, stock options, generous learning opportunities, and comprehensive benefits.

Requirements

• Experienced Leader: 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within a high-growth, fast-paced startup environment that scaled successfully from 300 to 1000+ employees
• Global HR Acumen: Extensive global HR exposure and knowledge, developing and implementing HR strategies across international teams and regulatory environments
• Mergers & Acquisitions Expertise: Demonstrated experience with mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including HR due diligence, integration planning, and successfully onboarding and harmonizing new teams and cultures post-acquisition
• Analytical & Data-Driven: Demonstrated ability to leverage HR data, metrics, and analytics to drive strategic decision-making, optimize processes, and articulate business value. You are comfortable moving beyond operations to insights
• Operational Excellence: Proven track record of building, scaling, and optimizing HR operations, systems, and processes in a complex, rapidly evolving organization
• Job Architecture Expert: Direct experience in designing, rolling out, and managing comprehensive job ladders and career progression frameworks
• Strong Program Management: Exceptional program management skills with the ability to drive complex initiatives from concept to implementation and measurable impact
• Empathetic & Collaborative: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build strong relationships and foster a collaborative environment
• Business Acumen: A keen understanding of how HR impacts business outcomes, particularly in scaling product commercialization and driving revenue in a deep tech or highly innovative environment
• Growth Mindset: Passionate about fostering employee growth, developing talent, and building a culture of continuous learning and high performance

Responsibilities

• Lead HR Operations & Infrastructure: Oversee all critical HR operational functions, including benefits, compensation administration, HRIS management, employee relations, compliance, and employee experience programs. Ensure seamless, efficient, and compliant HR service delivery across the employee lifecycle
• Drive Data-Driven Insights: Champion a deeply analytical approach to HR. Establish and maintain robust HR analytics and reporting capabilities, leveraging data across the employee lifecycle to identify trends, pinpoint bottlenecks, and provide actionable insights that inform HR strategy and business decisions
• Design & Implement Job Architecture: Take ownership of building out clear, transparent job ladders and career progression frameworks across all HR functions and partner closely with business units on broader company ladders
• Enhance Recognition & Motivation: Develop and implement innovative public recognition programs that celebrate individual and team contributions, reinforce desired behaviors, and align with our strategic OKRs
• Optimize HR Processes: Identify, design, and implement best-in-class HR processes, with a focus on efficiency, scalability, and user experience. This includes optimizing the interviewer training and feedback loop process to dramatically improve hiring velocity and supporting our "Growth and Impact" framework (including 360-degree reviews and tailored development plans)
• Cultivate an Empowering Culture: Foster a culture of continuous growth and development, where employees are empowered to become the best versions of themselves and contribute directly to the company's success
• Team Leadership: Provide strong, hands-on leadership and mentorship to your team members, driving performance, professional development, and collaboration

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision
• Family planning/fertility
• PTO (summer and winter breaks)
• Financial wellness resources
• 401(k) plans
• Competitive salaries
• Stock options depending on employment type
• Generous learning opportunities