Director, Human Resources

(Reports to: Executive Vice President and CFO)

As the first senior HR leader for Sangamo, the successful candidate will play a critical role in helping to build a high performing organization. This individual will lead the development and implementation of all human resources policies, programs, systems and services, including recruitment, benefits and compensation, retention, employee relations, legal compliance, employee communications, and talent management and development. This is a great role for those who love to build and embed systems and processes and play a true HR Generalist role.

This role will serve as a member of the company’s Leadership Team and will have a strong voice at the table, including participation in regular Leadership Team meetings. The HR leader will be a key partner to these executives for all strategic HR and organizational development goals and challenges, as well as driving tactical execution on a range of HR activities needed to operate the business. There is also one HR Manager reporting into this position.

The HR leader will also collaborate with the Leadership Team to create a workplace environment and culture that is consistent with Sangamo’s brand and objectives. This position will report to the EVP and will have frequent one-on-one interactions with the CEO and his entire Leadership Team.

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in the development of Sangamo’s business strategies and operating plans as a strategic partner. Bring a strong perspective on the implications on people, the organization, and the culture
  • Translate the strategic and tactical business plans into defining and implementing HR strategic and operational goals and plans. Align employee communications and messaging with the corporate identity and brand
  • Architect the recruiting and talent management processes. Develop recruiting strategies and implement plans to identify and acquire talent within and outside of Sangamo. Identify effective external sources for recruiting candidates for positions at all levels within the company
  • Provide valuable insights on people and organizational issues. Be a sounding board and trusted advisor providing strong insight, sound judgment and mature perspective
  • Build and implement HR policies and programs, ensuring compliance to all state and federal labor regulations. Maintain knowledge of HR policies, programs, laws and issues
  • Develop and track HR functional metrics, including retention. Identify strategies to ensure a committed and engaged workforce and retention of key talent and skills
  • Develop total rewards (compensation and benefits) and performance management system to motivate and drive performance. Partner with external brokers and providers as needed to develop and administer effective compensation and benefits practices and programs
  • Manage and mentor junior HR staff

    • Experience Required

    To ensure success in this innovative, science and results driven business environment the ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of broad-based HR experience, ideally with several years at the Director level at a biosciences-based company. Some experience in both small and large companies is preferred. Very strong business acumen and exceptional collaboration and consultative skills are essential. The HR leader needs exceptional skills in assessing and attracting talent, developing leadership capability, and coaching and motivating scientific leaders. They must also demonstrate:
    • Ability to collaborate and rapidly gain trust and credibility at all levels of the organization, including its highly educated, scientific employee base
    • Strong initiative and the willingness to get the job done in a lean environment—this is a roll up your sleeves job; requires multitasking and delivery of timely, high quality work with a customers come first mindset and a high level of energy for HR Generalist work
    • The ability to be assertive and transparent—and to back up your alternative views with data and a strong business case
    • Flexible and responsive
    • Technology savvy with social media, MS office (including excel for analysis), and other HR software systems

    Education

    • An undergraduate degree in human resources or business related area required
    • Advanced degree in human resources or business related field desired
    • SPHR or SPHR-Ca certification desired
      •