Everyone is welcome at Handshake. We know diverse teams build better products and we are committed to creating an inclusive culture built on a foundation of respect for all individuals. We strongly encourage candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups to apply.

Your impact

As the Lead People Business Partner for R&D, you will serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to our R&D organization and leadership team. You will drive the execution of people strategies that align with the business goals and objectives, focusing on employee relations, talent development, organizational design, and leadership coaching. In this role, you will lead HR initiatives that foster innovation, collaboration, and an inclusive work environment within the R&D function.You will work closely with the other members of our People team and our executive team to help set strategy and partner on company-wide projects such as Feedback and Compensation Reviews, Learning & Development, and more. As your organization scales, you will provide work direction to more junior team members as well as develop strong partnerships with directors and VPs.

Your role

• Act as a trusted business partner to R&D leaders, providing expert advice and solutions on a range of HR topics, including organizational design, workforce planning, talent management, and employee engagement.
• Provide coaching and guidance to R&D leaders and managers on performance management, succession planning, team dynamics, and leadership development.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure that the R&D organization structure supports business objectives. Lead initiatives around team effectiveness, organizational change, and process improvements.
• Drive talent management processes, ensuring the right development opportunities are provided to employees to grow and succeed within the organization. Partner with the L&D team to identify and implement relevant programs.
• Manage complex employee relations issues, ensuring fair and consistent treatment across the organization. Proactively identify potential issues and partner with leaders to address them.
• Lead the implementation of HR programs and initiatives, such as performance cycles, promotions, compensation reviews, and engagement surveys, ensuring they meet the unique needs of the R&D team.
• Support the R&D team through organizational transitions, helping leaders manage change effectively while minimizing disruption to business operations.
• Be proactive in translating business needs and requests into HR solutions

Your experience

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior HRBP role supporting R&D organizations. 
• Demonstrated ability to influence, coach, and advise senior leaders and executives.
• Proven experience supporting R&D or technical teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Strong understanding of how the R&D function operates within the broader business, with the ability to translate business needs into effective people strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex HR challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently and come up with creative solutions - you are an adept and agile problem solver!
• Ability to balance strategic leadership responsibilities with a bias towards action - you have experience with managing both short-term and long-term goals
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree or HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred.

**Note this role is based out of San Francisco, CA and required 3 days a week in office (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Compensation Range

• $177,000-$200,000

For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

About us

Handshake is the #1 place to launch a career with no connections, experience, or luck required. The platform connects up-and-coming talent with 750,000+ employers - from Fortune 500 companies like Google, Nike,