Senior Director, Human Resources
Location
Cambridge, MA | United States
Job description
Vizgen, Inc. - Cambridge, MA
Vizgen is a rapidly growing company developing the next generation of spatially resolved genomic profiling tools that enable researchers to gain new insight into the biological systems that underlie human health and disease. The company's groundbreaking MERFISH spatial transcriptomics technology images RNA molecules with high accuracy and unrivaled detection efficiency at subcellular resolution. MERFISH provides transformative insight into a wide range of tissue-scale basic research and translational medicine in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious disease, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine. For more information, go to
Position Summary: Vizgen is a fast-paced biotech startup that is revenue-generating and experiencing rapid transformation. We are seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources (Head of HR) to set the strategic direction and oversee the day-to-day execution of the HR function. The Senior Director of Human Resources will be a member of the leadership team, a strategic business partner, a trusted advisor, a change management advocate, and an effective overseer of HR operations. The ideal candidate will have experience partnering with R&D and Business leadership, is eager to roll up his/her sleeves, and will have experience guiding a start-up transitioning from research to commercial phases. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Senior Director of Human Resources is responsible for providing HR expertise across various areas, including organization effectiveness, employee development, recruitment, retention, PEO administration, and employee relations. This role requires independent operation, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities: Strategy and Leadership - Is a trusted member of the leadership team, partnering with each department head to align the company's current and future org structure to achieve corporate priorities.
- Able to translate strategic business plans into HR strategic and operations plans.
- Establish a physical presence, build relationships and trust with employees across functions and at all levels of the organization.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the organization on all human resources matters, drives to resolve the people practice, policy, and compliance challenges of a developing biotech organization.
Organization Effectiveness - Develop and deploy performance management and talent development practices that align with Vizgen's strategic priorities and cultural aspirations.
- Build a development portfolio for leaders and employees appropriate for Vizgen's current needs; ensure the portfolio evolves as Vizgen does.
- Oversee targeted internal and external training programs, ensuring a commitment to learning is part of the employee experience. Engage external partners as needed to achieve strategic development outcomes.
- Represent HR on company culture initiatives through internal and external outreach and ensure employee and leadership alignment with company values and mission.
- Develop and administer a comprehensive performance review process; equip employees and managers to set goals, conduct periodic check-ins and 360 feedback.
- Coach managers and employees to effective resolution of employee relations challenges. Maintain HR's posture as a safe harbor for confidential matters, while also setting a standard for effective and mature management practices within the organization.
Talent Recruitment and Retention - Develop and drive the overall talent acquisition strategy for Vizgen, ensuring the hiring of best in class talent, who align with the Vizgen mission, culture and values.
- Oversee the full recruitment process for Vizgen, ensure effective collaboration between hiring managers, external firms and internal TA support.
- Ensure Vizgen's TA model remains fit-for-purpose as the company evolves and take a business-case approach to inform potential changes.
- Develop a comprehensive talent retention program inclusive of tangible (e.g. compensation, promotion) and intangible (e.g. training/coaching, scope realignment, resourcing) practices.
- Remain current on market data and norms to ensure Vizgen's total reward offerings remain competitive and position us as an employer of choice in the market; maintain oversight of internal equity as talent market evolves.
Administration/Compliance - Oversee Vizgen's PEO partners globally, ensuring service level agreements to employees and HR/Finance/IT are maintained or exceeded.
- Maintain a systems approach to HR and HR technology, drive for seamless integrations and a consumer-grade employee/manager experience. Understand the business case for investing in systems and tools that remove friction and increase efficiency of employees and leaders.
- Ensure that all policies and procedures as required by law are in place. Enable practices around core HR initiatives that achieve equitable outcomes while minimizing bureaucracy.
- Draft, implement and manage the overall budget for the human resources department.
- Liaise with vendors and support teams to obtain cost-effective employee benefits, manage renewal decisions, and monitor benefits environment for options aimed at employee satisfaction and retention.
Requirements and Qualifications: - Relevant Bachelor's degree; minimum of 10 years progressive experience in Human Resources.
- Experience in biotech environments preferred. Experience in a venture funded start-up environment desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to serve on a senior leadership team that provides the company leadership and direction. Passion for engaging with all levels of a company, acting as both a generalist and a high-level coach.
- A track record of successfully managing employee relations issues, navigating and leading the HR function through organization change and scale. Must be hands-on and capable of producing work with limited staff. Strong work ethic and propensity for change and improvement.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and empathetic communication skills.
- Focused attention to detail, execution of tasks, and accountability.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaborate in a team setting.
- Proven organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands.
- Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills.
#LI-Hybrid
If you aren't sure you meet every requirement but are excited about what you read here, please consider applying! We believe diversity drives innovation. Above all, we're looking for the right person with skills and talent to grow the company together all while enriching your professional and scientific experience.
We offer a competitive salary, meaningful stock ownership, 401K, health benefits, a great work environment and the opportunity to enter a high-growth startup company. We are recruiting candidates who have demonstrated leadership and excellence throughout their careers and are excited by the prospect of tackling challenging technical problems.
This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Vizgen affords equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or gender unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification.
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