Head of Human Resources

Metagenomi Therapeutics Inc.•Emeryville, CA

11d•$210,000 - $315,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead and scale the full People function, including HR Operations, Talent Acquisition and Development, Culture, Compliance, and Employee Relations. This is a full-time position based in Emeryville, CA. As a key member of the executive leadership team reporting to the CFO, this individual will serve as both a strategic partner and a hands-on operator. This individual will be responsible for setting the Human Resources strategy while directly driving execution — building scalable infrastructure, strengthening compliance in a highly regulated environment, supporting scientific and clinical hiring, and fostering a high-performance culture aligned with our mission.

Requirements

Experience: 15+ years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience, including senior HR leadership roles within start-up to high-growth organizations.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Builder Mindset: Proven experience building and scaling Human Resources infrastructure in early-stage or growth-stage organizations, including establishing foundational programs, policies, and processes while operating effectively in lean environments.
Biotechnology or Life Sciences Environment: Experience supporting scientific, technical, or clinical teams within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related research-driven organizations is required.
Learning and Development: Demonstrated ability to support organizational design and leadership development initiatives.
Employment Law and Compliance: Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and experience maintaining compliant Human Resources practices.
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex information and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
Collaboration: Strong ability to partner cross-functionally with scientific, operational, and executive teams to support business objectives and drive organizational alignment.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Serve as the Human Resources leader and trusted thought partner to the executive leadership team on organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and culture. Collaborate with executives to define the company’s long-term mission and strategic goals, translating business objectives into actionable people and talent strategies.
Organizational Design: Partner closely with leadership to shape organizational structure, workforce planning, and process optimization that support company growth and clinical advancement. Lead organizational design initiatives that align talent capabilities with strategic priorities.
Talent and Performance: Lead learning and development, performance management, succession planning, and performance review programs. Build a high-performance culture grounded in accountability and results.
HR Operations: Lead core Human Resources processes, including onboarding and offboarding programs. Build efficient, scalable systems and continuously optimize workflows, policies, and infrastructure to improve effectiveness, accuracy, and employee experience as we transition to a clinical company.
Employee Relations: Lead all employee relations matters, including investigations and conflict resolution. Provide clear, objective guidance to leadership on sensitive issues while protecting the organization and fostering a respectful workplace.
Compliance: Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as safety and regulatory requirements. Maintain policies and practices that meet the standards of a biotechnology environment.
Organizational Effectiveness: Define and track key Human Resources metrics. Use data to assess engagement, productivity, and market competitiveness, driving continuous improvement.
Budget Oversight: Manage the Human Resources budget in alignment with company growth and financial objectives.
Culture and Engagement: Drive initiatives that strengthen collaboration, reinforce company values, and retain top scientific and corporate talent.