Executive Director, People Business Partner Lead

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals   Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.

Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director, People Business Partner Lead, serves as the trusted senior strategic advisor and thought partner to leaders across the organization. This role provides enterprise‑level leadership and expert guidance on all aspects of human resources, including organizational design, performance management, talent strategy, talent development, and leadership effectiveness.

As the leader of the People Business Partner (PBP) team, the Executive Director will be accountable for elevating and scaling the team’s impact by strengthening the design, implementation, and facilitation of PBP practices that drive employee attraction, retention, engagement, and overall organizational performance. The role will ensure strong alignment between People and Performance programs and the company’s business strategy to support long‑term growth and organizational success.

Success in this role requires a balance of strategic vision and hands‑on execution, enterprise‑level influence, and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior advisor to executive leaders and people managers on organizational effectiveness, workforce strategy, leadership capability, and culture.
• Provides expert advice and guidance to PBP Team and Executive Leaders
• Lead, develop, and scale the People Business Partner team, ensuring consistent practices, high capability, and strong business alignment.
• Creates and develops consistent process and strategy across the PBP Team and throughout People and Performance
• Design and implement a standardized PBP operating model, tools, and processes that support enterprise People and Performance objectives.
• Works effectively with the process owners for one or more Centers of Excellence (COEs) within People and Performance HR process to enhance efficiencies and role responsibilities (i.e., Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Compensation Planning, Workforce Planning, Learning and Development, and Organizational Effectiveness).
• 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 PBPs to advise leaders on business challenges and people implications, leadership effectiveness, culture, and alignment.
• Develops and implements appropriate change management plans to support organizational transformation, growth, and evolving business needs as needed.
• Participates in the design and management of company-wide compensation programs in partnership with Compensation leadership.
• Model and reinforce strong collaboration, accountability, and results orientation across the People and Performance function.
• Performs other responsibilities as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and applicable job experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 15 years’ progressively responsible experience in Human Resources, with a minimum of 10 years in a people leadership role.
• Prior experience as a People Business Partner required, with experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders in highly regulated, fast‑paced environments.

Key Skills:

• Strategic thinking capability and ability to translate strategy into executable, practical HR solutions, with “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.
• Excell