Head of People
$150k - $200k USD
About Knox
Knox runs the largest Federal managed cloud, building and operating secure cloud and AI environments that support the U.S. government’s most critical missions — from national security and public safety to essential public services. Our customers rely on Knox to deploy production systems that meet the highest standards for security, reliability, and compliance.
Work at Knox is high-impact and purpose-driven. The problems we solve are high-stakes, the expectations are high, and the results are visible. Speed, rigor, and trust matter here - because the environments we secure cannot fail. Your contributions are visible, your expertise is relied upon, and the impact of your work is immediate and measurable. We operate at federal scale, securing some of the most sensitive government environments in the country - because the systems we build must perform without fail.
The Role
Knox Systems is a rapidly growing FedRAMP-as-a-Service startup that exceeded revenue targets by 50% this year and is positioned for aggressive expansion. We're building a high-performing team where talent density drives success, and we need an exceptional People leader to scale our organization thoughtfully and strategically.
As Head of People, you'll build and lead the people function for a fast-growing startup, balancing operational excellence with strategic workforce planning. You'll be a key partner to leadership as we scale from our current size to meet ambitious growth targets while maintaining our culture of high performance and accountability.
What You'll Do
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive people strategy aligned with our aggressive growth plans
Design and implement compensation frameworks that is competitive to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market
Partner with department leaders on workforce planning and organizational design
Build HR infrastructure and systems to support scalable operations
Operational Excellence
Lead day-to-day HR operations across all departments, ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws
Implement and optimize HRIS and payroll platforms to streamline people operations
Oversee full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes
Administer employee benefits programs (health insurance, 401(k), leave) with accuracy and clear communication
Maintain HR compliance across EEO, FMLA, ADA, I-9, and other regulations
Culture & Performance
Serve as a trusted advisor on performance management, employee relations, and conflict resolution
Design and deliver training and development programs, including leadership coaching
Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
Track and report on key HR metrics (turnover, headcount, retention) to drive data-informed decisions
Maintain and evolve HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook
What You Bring
Required
5+ years of progressive HR experience with at least 3 years leading an HR function or team
Deep knowledge of employment law and HR compliance practices
Proven experience designing compensation structures and performance management systems
Track record implementing HRIS and payroll systems from selection through optimization
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels
Strategic mindset with strong execution capabilities—you can build the plane while flying it
Preferred
PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification
Startup or high-growth company experience
Experience in technology or regulated industries
Location & Compensation
Location: NYC (on-site)
Compensation: $150,000-$200,000 base salary
Hiring Requirement: Due to the nature of our work with federal government clients and compliance with applicable regulations, this position requires U.S. citizenship. Candidates must be able to provide documentation verifying U.S. citizenship status as part of the background check process.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required pre-employment screenings, including a background check, in accordance with applicable laws and government contract requirements.
Benefits & Perks
Knox offers a competitive employee benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability, unlimited PEO, and an employee funded 401k plan. Please note, benefits are subject to change.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.