Executive Director, Total Rewards & HR Operations

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Executive Director, Total Rewards & HR Operations is a strategic and operational leader responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing compensation, benefits, HR systems, and employee lifecycle processes. This role ensures compliance with applicable regulatory requirements (including FDA/GxP where applicable), public company standards, and multi-state employment laws.

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), this role partners closely with Finance, Legal, and external advisors to build scalable infrastructure supporting the company’s transition to commercial-stage and potential global expansion.  This position initially manages one direct report and serves as the primary interface with Payroll and Finance.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Total Rewards Strategy & Compensation Governance (30%)

  • Lead design and execution of the annual compensation cycle (merit, bonus, promotions, and market adjustments)
  • Partner with CHRO and Compensation Committee to prepare quarterly materials and analyses
  • Collaborate with external compensation consultants to refine and maintain compensation philosophy
  • Ensure alignment with public company requirements, including equity programs and disclosures
  • Conduct benchmarking and market analyses to support competitive positioning
  • Develop scalable compensation frameworks to support organizational growth

• Benefits Strategy & Administration (20%)

  • Design and manage comprehensive benefits programs (health, welfare, retirement, wellness)
  • Lead annual open enrollment planning, execution, and communications
  • Evaluate vendor performance and optimize broker and provider relationships
  • Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable state regulations
  • Introduce scalable and competitive benefits aligned with workforce needs and growth strategy

• HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle Management (20%)

  • Oversee and optimize end-to-end employee lifecycle processes (hire, onboarding, performance management, offboarding, retirement)
  • Standardize and document HR processes to ensure consistency, scalability, and audit readiness
  • Enhance employee experience to maintain employer-of-choice status
  • Implement process improvements leveraging HR technology and automation
  • Maintain accurate employee records in compliance with regulatory and internal requirements

• HR Compliance, Risk Management & FDA/GxP Alignment (15%)

  • Ensure HR practices comply with FDA/GxP expectations as applicable (e.g., training documentation, audit trails, record retention)
  • Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across 20+ states
  • Support internal and external audits, including SOX-related controls where applicable
  • Develop and maintain HR policies, SOPs, and documentation aligned with regulatory standards
  • Partner with Legal on employee relations matters and risk mitigation

• HRIS, Payroll & Data Governance (10%)

  • Serve as system owner for ADP Workforce Now, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and system optimization
  • Act as primary liaison with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing
  • Drive reporting and analytics to support business decisions and board-level insights
  • Implement enhancements to HRIS to support scaling and potential global expansion

• Team Leadership & Strategic Support (5%)

  • Manage and develop direct report
  • Support CHRO on strategic initiatives and organizational planning
  • Contribute to HR function scaling in preparation for commercialization and global growth

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, or related) preferred
• 18+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant focus on Total Rewards and HR Operations.
• Experience in biotech, life sciences, or regulated industry strongly preferred
• Experience in a public company environment required
• Prior experience in organizations with 500+ employees preferred.
• Demonstrated exposure to global HR practices and scaling organizations internationally
• Deep knowledge of compensation strategy, equity programs, and governance
• Strong understanding of benefits design and compliance frameworks
• Expertise in HRIS systems (ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred)
• Familiarity with FDA/GxP environments and audit requirements.
• Working knowledge of SOX controls as they relate to HR and payroll
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills
• High attention to detail with audit-ready mindset
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving biotech environment
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills (Finance, Legal, Executive Leadership)
• Data-driven decision-maker with strong analytical capabilities