People Lead

Sesame • San Francisco, CA

6d • $220,000 - $280,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Sesame is seeking a People Lead to help build the organization for its next stage of growth. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on building the People function and partnering with the leadership team on strategic decisions. The goal is to scale the company thoughtfully while preserving its core values of high talent density, strong ownership, fast decision-making, and a culture where people do their best work. The role involves building systems and teams to support growth, evolving hiring, development, leadership, and collaboration practices, and leveraging AI to enhance the People function's operations.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive People leadership experience, with significant experience in People Operations, HRBP, and organizational development.
• Experience building and scaling People functions in fast-moving technology companies, particularly during periods of significant growth and organizational change.
• Deep understanding of organization design, performance management, compensation, employee relations, and U.S. employment practices.
• Strong business judgment and ability to act as a thought partner to founders and senior leaders on complex people and organizational decisions.
• A builder’s mindset: comfortable creating strategy and executing it.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and detailed levels.
• High standards for talent, leadership, and execution, paired with empathy and self-awareness.
• Genuine curiosity about AI and its impact on People teams and companies.
• Willingness to work four days a week in the office and be highly engaged with the team in person.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in AI, hardware, or another technically complex or rapidly evolving industry.
• Experience leading People at a venture-backed startup through rapid growth.
• Experience scaling organizations across multiple locations or integrating international employment practices.
• Experience using AI to meaningfully improve recruiting, People Operations, employee experience, or organizational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a strong People foundation, setting the strategy and operating model for the People function, building and developing a high-performing team, and establishing the necessary infrastructure for scaling.
• Partner with Recruiting and leaders to improve workforce planning and employee experience.
• Ensure People Operations infrastructure (HR systems, payroll, benefits, immigration, onboarding, policies, compliance, employee relations, People data) scales with the company.
• Collaborate with the leadership team on organizational design, team structure, leadership roles, and succession planning.
• Develop practical approaches for goal-setting, feedback, performance, development, promotions, and accountability to help managers lead effectively.
• Own compensation and rewards, evolving the compensation philosophy, leveling, salary ranges, equity practices, benefits, and performance check-ins.
• Shape and protect Sesame’s culture by translating values into the employee experience, from hiring and onboarding to communication, recognition, decision-making, and accountability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, bringing sound judgment, candor, and business understanding to sensitive people and organizational decisions, challenging thinking when necessary.

Benefits

• 401 (k) with a 3.5% employer match of compensation.
• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for employees and their dependents.
• Unlimited PTO and sick time.
• Flexible spending account with employer matching up to $1,650/year for medical FSA.
• Guardian Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Competitive stock options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed