Senior Director, HR Business Partner

Role Overview

• Serve as the primary HRBP for Clinical Development and CMC leaders and their teams, developing strong, collaborative relationships built on trust and insight.
• Partner with leadership to shape organizational strategy, structure, and workforce planning to support current and future business priorities.
• Provide thought leadership on people-related matters including talent planning, team effectiveness, and change management.
• Lead performance management activities, including goal-setting, calibration, feedback, and succession planning.
• Identify leadership and team development needs; design and implement targeted programs to enhance capabilities and support growth.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on role scoping, hiring strategy, and ensuring strong onboarding experiences.
• Serve as a trusted advisor in navigating complex employee relations matters with empathy, sound judgment, and consistency.
• Support the development and maintenance of a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven culture.
• Partner with leaders to drive employee engagement initiatives and strengthen team communication and collaboration.
• Partner with Compensation to ensure competitive, equitable job leveling, salary decisions, and reward strategies.
• Provide guidance on HR policies, compliance requirements, and best practices to managers and employees.
• Collaborate with HR Centers of Excellence (Compensation, Talent Acquisition, People Operations, Learning & Development) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Assess organizational health and partner with leaders to implement strategies that strengthen effectiveness and scalability.
• Guide teams through periods of organizational change, ensuring communication clarity, alignment, and smooth transitions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, or related) preferred
• 10-15+ years of progressive HR experience, including at least 10 years as an HR Business Partner supporting senior leaders; biotech/pharma experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success partnering with R&D functions such as Clinical Development and/or CMC is highly desirable
• Strong business acumen with the ability to understand scientific and technical functions and translate business needs into people strategies
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and influencing skills
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations matters with discretion and sound judgment
• Experience in high-growth or fast-paced environments, with a comfort level navigating ambiguity
• Ability to work onsite in South San Francisco on a hybrid schedule

Benefits

• Annual bonus
• Stock-based long-term incentives
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Retirement
• Wellness stipend
• Flexible time off