Director, People & Talent Operations

Manifold Bio builds AI models for protein therapeutic design, trained on proprietary experimental data generated at unprecedented scale. Our in vivo-centric discovery platform produces millions of experimentally validated protein designs per campaign, creating the datasets that make our models possible and our approach uniquely powerful. We combine high-throughput protein engineering with computational design to create antibody-like drugs and other biologics. Our world-class team of protein engineers, biologists, and computational scientists are working together to aim the platform at therapeutic opportunities where precise targeting is the key to overcoming clinical challenges.

Position

Come join Manifold as our first full-time People & Talent professional, reporting to the COO. Fueled by a new research collaboration with Roche, we are in the midst of a rapid growth spurt from 35 to 60+ employees, and will be looking to you to help us scale gracefully and efficiently while maintaining all that we love in our onsite culture. You ideally have startup experience in discovery stage biotech, though experience scaling a successful tech company would also be relevant. The ability to flex between talent acquisition, development, employee relations, and compensation planning, and are curious about ways to use technology like Greenhouse, Google Workspace, and AI applications to make life easier. You balance empathetic people leadership with sharp business judgment and creative problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintaining and evolving a high-functioning People organization
• Lead our talent acquisition processes from sourcing to offer acceptance
• Lead employee onboarding and offboarding across all stages, ensuring seamless transitions and compliance 
• Maintain and update employee records, ensuring data accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with regulatory requirements 
• Spearhead the performance management process, including managing frameworks, compensation planning, promotion cycles, and career progression pathways aligned with company growth
• Provide leadership coaching and development to managers and employees, promoting a culture of continuous learning and growth
• Manage company benefits, including annual renewals, employee communications, and enrollment 
• Drive employee engagement initiatives and recognition programs, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, human resources, business administration or related field
• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience with demonstrated success in building HR functions
• Experience at a high growth startup in the biotech (or tech) industry strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of comprehensive HR operations including employee benefits, talent acquisition, and people systems
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills with high attention to detail
• Proven track record maintaining confidentiality with sensitive employee information
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a culture ambassador 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization
• Hands-on experience building new programs from the ground up
• Ability to develop pragmatic, fit-for-purpose programs that demonstrate immediate impact
• Experience with / ability to quickly master administrative programs such as Greenhouse, Gusto, Carta or other programs