Head of People

Description We are looking for an experienced Head of People to lead and strengthen the HR function for a growing organization in San Ramon, California. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for a hands-on leader who can work independently, bring structure to a fast-moving environment, and build practical people programs that support continued growth. The role will serve as a key partner to senior leadership, guiding people strategy while ensuring strong compliance, employee support, and operational consistency across a multi-state workforce.

Responsibilities:

• Shape and implement the U.S. people strategy in close collaboration with executive leadership to support business goals and workforce growth.

• Direct core human resources operations, including employee relations, benefits coordination, compensation practices, performance programs, and payroll oversight.

• Create and improve HR policies, workflows, and foundational processes that can scale effectively in a rapidly evolving startup setting.

• Ensure adherence to employment regulations across multiple states, with particular attention to California labor requirements and non-exempt employee practices.

• Lead, coach, and support the current recruiting and HR management function so hiring activity aligns with broader talent and people priorities.

• Work closely with Finance to manage compensation planning, commission frameworks, payroll processes, and benefits administration.

• Provide HR partnership to field and operational teams across various locations, helping address workforce needs in a practical and timely manner.

• Analyze people data and workforce trends to identify opportunities, inform decisions, and drive ongoing organizational improvement.

• Support HR administration connected to platforms such as TriNet, Gusto, HiBob, Justworks, or BambooHR when needed for effective people operations. Requirements • 15+ years of progressive human resources experience, including leadership responsibility for broad HR functions.

• Proven success building or leading an HR department within a small, high-growth startup or similarly fast-paced environment.

• Strong knowledge of California employment law and experience supporting compliance across multiple states.

• Demonstrated background in employee relations, HR administration, compensation and benefits, and compliance management.

• Ability to operate independently, solve problems in ambiguous situations, and establish structure where processes are still developing.

• Experience partnering with executive teams to translate business priorities into effective people strategies.

• Spanish language skills are preferred.

• Industry experience in agriculture, agri-tech, robotics, manufacturing, climate tech, or H-2A/agricultural immigration is preferred.

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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