Senior Director HR Business Partner Lead

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is advancing breakthroughs in neuroscience to elevate life. For 30 years we have been working at the forefront of healthcare to bring vital solutions to people who need them most. We developed and commercialized the first and only FDA-approved drug to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis and the first and only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Our clinical-stage development efforts are focused on Prader-Willi syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and multiple other programs targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms in central nervous system disorders. For more information, visit us at Acadia.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Position Summary:

Are you an experienced HR leader with a strategic mindset and a passion for driving impactful HR initiatives? We’re seeking a Senior Director HRBP Lead to guide our HR Business Partner team, champion our company culture, and align people strategies with business goals to foster our continued growth and success. In this influential role, you will oversee the design and implementation of HR programs that support the attraction, retention, and engagement of top global talent while strengthening organizational effectiveness. You will play a critical part in shaping an inclusive and resilient work environment through innovative policies, systems, and processes.

This position is ideal for an HR leader who is not only skilled at crafting and executing HR strategy but is also adept at navigating complex challenges with the agility to influence at all levels of the business. If you thrive on collaboration and have a history of successfully driving cross-functional change in dynamic environments—especially in the biotech or pharma sectors—we would love to speak with you.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides expert advice and counsel to HRBP Team and broader People & Performance team.
• Creates and develops consistent process, technologies and systems across the HRBP Team and throughout the People & Performance organization.
• Works collaboratively with other People & Performance team leads to enhance efficiencies and role responsibilities (i.e., Talent Acquisition, Headcount Management, Performance Management, Compensation Planning, Talent Management, etc.).
• Provides direction in regard to performance management and succession planning process to develop key talent and bench strength for future needs and to ensure the best talent is retained.
• Provides guidance to HRBPs to assist to leaders on business challenges and people implications, leadership effectiveness, culture, and alignment.
• Provides guidance to HRBP Team to resolve complex employee relations issues through objective investigations in an effective manner.
• Develops and implements appropriate change management plans as needed.
• Participates in the design and management of company-wide compensation programs.
• Performs other responsibilities as assigned.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and applicable job experience may be considered.  

Must possess:

• A minimum of 12 years’ progressively responsible related experience with a minimum of 6 years in a leadership role. 
• Prior experience as an HR Business Partner required with experience in Biotech or Pharma industry strongly preferred. 
• Strategic thinking capability and “hands on” HR plan implementation experience.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local employment law.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in coaching, influencing, facilitation, development, and problem solving with a passion to deliver results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, consultative, partnership, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in business analysis and compensation planning.
• Strong ad