Director - HR Operations

Job Title: Director - HR Operations 

Job Type: Contract to Hire

We are seeking a Director - HR Operations who is both strategic and very hands-on. You will build, optimize, and scale HR processes, systems, and programs in support of our growing organization. The ideal candidate excels in a fast-paced environment, is comfortable delving into details, and can effectively balance daily execution with long-term planning. This is an on-site role based in Santa Clara, CA, with an expectation of working in the office a minimum of five days per week.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Process Optimization

• Lead HR Operations, including HRIS, employee data management, onboarding/offboarding, and documentation.

• Create scalable workflows and streamline processes to support growth and operational excellence.

• Ensure that HR policies, processes, and systems are well-documented, regularly updated, and consistently applied.

Systems & Technology

• Manage HR technology systems and integrations; lead Workday (or other HRIS) implementation and ongoing enhancements.

• Partner cross-functionally with IT and Payroll to ensure systems are optimized and accurate.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international employment regulations.

• Lead, manage, and support HR-related audits, including 401(k), SOC 2, ISO 9001, and regulatory audits.

• Maintain and update HR policies, employee handbooks, and internal SOPs.

• Regular systems audits and reporting.

Payroll, Benefits & Vendor Management

• Partner with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate payroll, benefits administration, and compensation alignment.

• Oversee vendor relationships (PEO, benefits brokers, HRIS providers, etc.) and negotiate renewals and new services.

• Develop, maintain, and present HR dashboards and metrics to support strategic workforce planning.

• Leverage data to identify trends, inform decisions, and recommend improvements. 

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop the HR Operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Support managers and employees with a service-oriented, solutions-focused mindset.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of progressive HR Operations experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Strong hands-on execution skills, comfortable handling both strategic and tactical work.

• Experience scaling HR processes in a high-growth and global environment.

• Deep knowledge of HR compliance, HRIS functionality (Workday strongly preferred), and payroll operations.

• Prior experience leading various audits: 401(k), SOC, and ISO.

• Proven success in building or improving HR systems and infrastructure.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the organization.

• Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint; ability to build models, dashboards, and executive reporting.

• Proactive, resourceful, and comfortable operating in ambiguity.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to step back and see the bigger picture.

• A “can-do” problem-solving mentality and a continuous

The base salary range for this full-time position is $180K to $195K. Our total compensation packages includes base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity.Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualification, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans
• Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• 401K
• Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.)
• On-site Health & Wellness programs (fitness challenges, outdoor bootcamp, flu-shots, etc.)

About Picarro:

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals. 

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. at [email protected] for assistance.