Greater New York City area or greater San Francisco area, hybrid position (1-2 days in the office per week).
Company Overview
Character Biosciences is a drug discovery and development company building world-class, deeply-phenotyped databases that integrate genomics with longitudinal clinical and imaging data, with an initial focus on treating polygenic ophthalmic diseases. Our interdisciplinary team, comprising experts in clinical science, data science, machine learning, statistical genetics, and drug discovery utilize this platform to determine genetic drivers of disease progression, advance novel therapeutics and define genetics-based patient stratification. Powered by our data platform, Character Bio is currently advancing two programs in Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration with additional programs in earlier stages of discovery research.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Head of People with the drive, vision and competencies to nurture the next phase of our growing biotech company. Reporting to the CEO, the Head of People will be a partner in executing the vision and shaping the cultural brand of our organization. They will lead a breadth of functions that are vital for supporting operations, talent acquisition, human resources, and cultural enhancement of the company. A core responsibility will be to create and implement the organization’s talent strategy, with a focus on both attracting and retaining top talent in the biotech industry. Leading culture development within the company and prioritizing employee development will also be vital components of this position.
Key Responsibilities
- Define the employment value proposition, develop our future team roadmap, and collaborate with the leadership team on management topics such as organizational structure and HR best practices
- Be a champion of our culture by partnering with management to ensure we are staying true to our mission, vision, and values in all decisions
- Partner with hiring managers across the company to develop and implement recruiting and selection strategies to attract exceptional and diverse talent
- Create and evolve industry-competitive compensation and benefits guidelines
- Manage payroll and benefits administration; ensure employee awareness, understanding and value of our offerings, as well as competitiveness and cost-effectiveness for the company
- Ensure compliance with labor-related regulations including but not limited to EEO, employment, and benefits
- Identify the need for and implement HR programs to support business objectives
- Develop and drive HR Analytics to help the company make robust business decisions
- Lead annual performance process including facilitating performance reviews, promotions, and year-end compensation assessments
- Provide training, coaching, and mentoring to managers and leaders on best practices in hiring, leadership skills, setting expectations, providing constructive feedback, recognizing positive results, taking corrective action, and conflict resolution
- Promote our employer brand through various channels and initiatives
Qualifications
- Leader who is excited about the opportunity to shape and own the overall employee experience at a young company
- Highly motivated toward working in a high-growth, start-up environment
- Excels when presented the opportunity to innovate and strategize cross-functionally
- Bachelor's and/or Master’s degree with an emphasis in HR, recruitment, organizational development or business, plus 8-10 years of experience in the HR & Talent Acquisition fields
- 5+ years of experience in management and/or recruitment–experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries is a plus
- Strong understanding of US, New Jersey, and California employment law/legislation, policies, and procedures
- Deep understanding of the issues and opportunities related to diversity, inclusion, gender/race equality and fair employment practices that promote high performance, inclusivity and positive work culture
- Experienced in selecting and implementing candidate and people management systems (HRIS); including understanding the pros and cons of different platforms and use cases
- Excellent business judgment and discretion
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, especially the ability to facilitate interactions and resolve conflicts
Benefits
Benefits include a competitive salary, strong equity incentives, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and a flexible paid time off policy. Character is committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting colleagues from all backgrounds. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral part of our culture. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. We are an E-Verify company.
Salary range: $170,000 to $230,000
Character Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment in our workplace, communities, and within the industry. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, or veteran status.
