Founding HR & People Operations Lead

We’re hiring: Founding HR & People Operations Lead (San Francisco | Onsite 5 days/week)

We’re looking for our first dedicated HR hire to own and build the People Operations function from the ground up.

This is a zero-to-one role responsible for creating the systems, processes, and infrastructure that support the full employee lifecycle as the company scales. The role is highly hands-on at the start, with a focus on operational execution and building strong HR foundations. Over time, it expands into broader people initiatives including performance management, manager enablement, and employee experience.

What you’ll own

• End-to-end employee lifecycle (onboarding, role changes, offboarding, terminations)
• HR systems and data integrity (HRIS ownership, ideally Rippling)
• Benefits administration and vendor management
• Payroll coordination with Finance and external providers
• Compliance support, with emphasis on California employment practices
• Building scalable HR processes, policies, and documentation
• Acting as the primary owner of People Operations internally and with external counsel

What we’re looking for

• 4–6 years of HR / People Operations experience
• Experience as an early HR hire in a Series A–B startup (first or second HR seat strongly preferred)
• Strong understanding of California employment law
• Experience with HRIS systems (Rippling a plus)
• Comfortable managing employee relations, transitions, and sensitive HR processes
• Strong operational mindset and ability to bring structure to ambiguity
• Based in the San Francisco Bay Area and able to work onsite 5 days/week

Nice to have

• Experience with payroll systems and vendor management
• Exposure to multi-state or international HR
• Experience building performance management or employee engagement programs
• Experience supporting sales organizations with commission or OTE structures

Compensation

• $160,000 – $185,000 base salary

Perks & benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Commuter benefits
• Daily catered lunch
• Dinner stipend
• $150 monthly wellness benefit