HR Operations Lead

Reports to: HR DirectorLocation: San Francisco Bay area (Hybrid)Date: Oct 14th, 2026Salary range: $120k - $160k About Alcatraz Alcatraz is redefining how people move through the world. Based in Silicon Valley, we’re transforming the $70B access control industry through privacy-first facial authentication and artificial intelligence. Our solutions seamlessly integrate with existing security systems to deliver a modern, frictionless, and secure experience, protecting organizations while empowering people to move freely. Role Overview The HR Operations Lead will be responsible for building and scaling a high-performing, compliant, and engaged team across the United States and LATAM. This role will be responsible to own all HR operations in the US, ensuring compliance and care about team growth, as well as working with leadership on creating new HR processes to drive organizational effectiveness, talent development, and employee experience. Key Responsibilities: HR Operations & Compliance (U.S.): Own full employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, and offboarding for the US employee base. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEOC)Maintain, improve and create HR policies, employee handbook, and internal proceduresOversee benefits administration and vendor relationships (healthcare, 401(k), etc.)Partner with legal on risk mitigation, investigations, and terminationsPartner Internal AI team to optimize and develop workflows and tools for improving HR operational excellence and employee experiences.Research and implement new systems and vendors for various processes. Own office operations and assist with administrative and office tasks.Act as project manager for internal HR and employee initiatives. HR Business Partnership: Partner with executive and functional leaders to align business goals with departmental goals and assist team goal development.Advise managers on organizational design, workforce planning, and team effectiveness.Drive performance management processes, including goal setting, reviews, and calibration & succession planning.Support leadership in navigating complex employee relations and organizational changesPartner with HR leadership to identify capability gaps and define scalable Learning &Development strategies aligned with business goals.Hands on support around enhancing the existing compensation strategy, benchmarking, and merit cyclesCreate, analyze and keep track of workforce metrics (attrition, engagement, performance trends) to inform decisions Recruiting Partnership: Lead recruitment initiatives for the Region including reaching out to candidates, reviewing resumes, arranging interviews, etc.Ensure strong onboarding and integration of new hiresSupport hiring managers in building high-performing teamsPartner with finance on headcount planning and budgeting Employee Experience & Culture:Champion a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable cultureDesign programs that enhance engagement, retention, and employee satisfaction for the region. Co-create lead employee feedback mechanisms (engagement surveys, pulse checks)Act as a trusted advisor for employee concerns and conflict resolution Qualifications: Required: 5–8 + years of HR experience in a high-growth, high-tech start-up environmentExperience in operational and administrative HR functionExcellent knowledge of U.S. employment law and HR best practicesExperience supporting multiple functions (e.g., GTM, Engineering, Operations)Experience developing and enhancing HR processes and policies, having a deep understanding of talent management and talent development mechanisms. Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, Rippling, CharlieHR)Excellent judgment, discretion, and conflict resolution skillsExperience in coaching and developing managers Preferred: Experience in a venture-backed or scaling organizationExperience with leading L&D initiatives and hands - on manager onboarding and trainingBackground in both strategic HR and hands-on operationsSHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification Key Competencies: Ownership and proactiveness – Trusted advisor to leadership and employees and Problem solver proactively addressing improvement areasData-Driven – Uses metrics to inform decisionsOperational Excellence – Executes with urgency, precision and scalabilityEmotional Intelligence – Navigates sensitive situations with care and clarity Why you should join Alcatraz: At Alcatraz, we’re not just modernizing access, we’re humanizing security. As pioneers in AI-powered facial authentication, we’re shaping the next generation of trust and identity. Trusted by global enterprises and backed by leading global investors, we’re scaling fast. You’ll have the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on our next phase of growth and help define how the world sees us. Join a team that moves boldly, challenges convention, and believes innovation starts with integrity. Alcatraz is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.