Director, People

For our client, we are seeking a Director, People to join the team of a leader in the Healthcare space. This role will lead the People function with a balance of strategic partnership and hands-on execution across day-to-day HR operations. The Director will work closely with senior leaders to support workforce planning, employee engagement, and people programs that enable the business across the U.S., U.K., and Europe. This position also plays a key role in building a strong employee experience, improving operational processes, and strengthening compliance and support for a growing international workforce. Location: Palo Alto, CA - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available Compensation: $210,000 – $273,000 annually Responsibilities Lead and operate the People function while executing key day-to-day work Oversee the employee lifecycle across the U.S., U.K., and Europe Collaborate with leaders to assess workforce needs and engagement opportunities Manage and develop the People team, ensuring operational excellence Partner on HR operations, compliance, payroll, and benefits administration Contribute to compensation and equity program communications Support international employees and compliance-related processes Strengthen people programs to ensure they align with business needs Utilize HR systems to improve data handling and employee experience Qualifications 10+ years in Human Resources with leadership experience Ability to act as both a strategic advisor and hands-on leader Strong communication and judgment skills for engaging with senior leaders Practical knowledge of U.S. employment practices and HR processes Experience working closely with payroll, benefits, and HR operations Proficient in using employee data to identify issues and recommend solutions Demonstrated ability to build trust and resolve people issues effectively Undergraduate degree or equivalent practical experience Benefits Onsite role based in Palo Alto, CA Potential travel up to 20% for meetings and conferences Use of standard technology for communication and collaboration Flexibility for occasional work outside standard hours Reasonable accommodations available for essential job functions Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.