Head of People / Sr. Director of People

Position:  Head of People / Sr. Director of People

Functional Area:  People Operations

Department:  G&A

Reports To:  CEO

Location:  SF Bay Area, Hybrid Flexible

Company background

Magnus Medical, Inc. (“Magnus”) is an innovative company that has developed and commercialized a SaaS-based offering to provide a FDA-cleared, personalized and targeted treatment of patients with Treatment Resistant Depression. Magnus is also developing similar solutions for other mental health conditions including but not limited to bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and anxiety. 

We are a venture-funded therapeutic medical devices company, led by industry veterans, with the mission of freeing individuals from the symptoms of depression and other neuropsychiatric diseases using personalized and accelerated neuromodulation technology. Our efforts are grounded in science, informed by clinical data, and inspired by the strength of those who live with psychiatric disease. We offer the ability to make the world a better place, in collaboration with like-minded colleagues who value communication, integrity, and cooperation. We are looking for individuals who are personally and boldly committed to improving treatment for mental health.

Role Description

This is a strategic HR leader responsible for building and leading a high-performing team that enables business success through exceptional partnership, talent and performance management, and organizational effectiveness. This individual will be a trusted advisor for senior leadership on strategy alignment for all people programs, elevating quality of talent, and striking a balance between enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining culture through rapid growth.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Business Partnership

• Partner with executive leaders on organizational design, leadership effectiveness, change management, and organizational health.
• Provide strategic counsel on business transformation, workforce planning, talent risks, and organizational capability
• Leverage people analytics and insights to inform business decisions and measure organizational effectiveness.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for organizational design and culture transformation.

Talent & Organizational Development

• Workforce Planning: Partner with Finance and department heads to map out future headcount needs, organizational structures, and resource allocation.
• Onboarding & Offboarding Infrastructure: Design a frictionless, highly structured onboarding program that introduces new hires to company culture, policies, and tools from day one.
• Learning & Development (L&D): Build scalable management training and leadership development tracks to upskill internal talent as they step into expanded roles.

Compensation, Benefits & Total Rewards

• Equity & Leveling Frameworks: Design and manage structured job levels, salary bands, and equity distribution models to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Benefits Strategy: In conjunction with our current and/or future PEO, maintain comprehensive medical, dental, retirement, and wellness benefit programs that appeal to a highly competitive talent pool.
• Performance Evaluations: Standardize the annual review process, aligning merit increases, promotion cycles, and performance improvement plans with objective corporate metrics.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Employee Relations: Serve as the escalation point for complex employee relations matters, conducting objective discussions, investigations and implementing fair resolutions.
• Oversee state and federal people operations / HR compliance, including training, L&D requirements, compensation etc. 
• Collaborate with our Business Strategy and Operations Leader to continually improve processes for employee communications and suggestions. 

Lead the People Function

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing People Operations team, creating an environment of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and exceptional client service.
• Set the vision, priorities, and operating model for People Operations, ensuring consistent, strategic partnership across the business.

Your Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or related field; Master’s or advanced degree welcome
• Minimum 15+ years broad-based human resources experience, preferably with time spent in high-growth medical device, biotech, or tech sectors.
• Proven track record as a Senior Leader; driving transformation, and managing complex workforce challenges
• Strong background and expertise in multiple HR specialties (e.g. talent management, organizational effectiveness and transformation, workforce planning, leadership development, performance management, succession planning, and employee relations)
• Strategic thinker with ability to implement and move quickly
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills
• Excellent judgment and ability to build trust at all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to foster innovation, inclusion, and employee engagement.
• Collaborative problem-solver
• SPHR/SHRM-SCP certification a plus

Is this the right role for you?

We want to be honest about the shape of this job so we do not waste anyone's time. 

• This is a strong fit if you like to build: taking the People function to the next level as we scale.
• It may not be the right fit if you want a large team on day one or a finished playbook to inherit: Early on, this is mostly a hands-on role working with our People Operations Manager, and you will be planning the strategy and rhythm of our People experience.

Salary Range:  $200,000 - $250,000

The annual base salary range for this position based in the United States is noted. This range is an estimate, and actual salary may vary based on Magnus' compensation practices, job-related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications and training, and geographic location. Magnus utilizes the full width of the range. Our compensation package also includes an annual bonus based on company goals and an equity grant.

Company Statement

We are deeply committed to integrity, kindness, and communication, and these principles govern how we will build our teams and operate the company. Magnus is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and are committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment for all employees.