Human Resources Director

Who we are:   

Life, Reimagined    

Constructive Bio is a VC-backed biotechnology startup based in Whittlesford, Cambridge. Our unique technology turns living cells into biofactories, creating sustainable new materials and therapeutics. With full control of the genetic sequence and code, we are exploring chemical space previously unreached by natural biology.  

Constructive Bio is a spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Learn more about the Chin lab achievements here: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/ccsb/jason-chin/   

We secured $58 million Series A fundraising. Read more here: https://www.constructive.bio/blog/news/constructive-bio-secures-58-million-in-series-a-financing   

What we’re looking for:  

As a Human Resources (HR) Director you will be a key driving force in our team: shaping the high-performance, high-ownership culture and executing a best people strategy that brings competitive advantage. In this dynamic position, you will lead both strategically and operationally, taking ownership of core HR functions and supporting the team with their execution. Your responsibilities will include strategic staffing planning, overseeing the entire worker life cycle, skilfully managing complex HR cases, maintaining and updating our HR policies, ensuring compliance with UK employment law, and developing innovative reward and recognition initiatives that recognise true impact and excellence.  We are looking for a true builder. Someone who shares our belief that talent density, high ownership, and fast execution win. You will help shape a culture where A-players thrive, mediocre performance is addressed fast, and systems exist to enable speed, clarity, and excellence. You will work as a close partner to the CEO and leadership team to build a company worthy of our scientific ambition and our vision to change biotech.  

What success looks like:  

• Setting and leading our People strategy: Owning the big picture from growth planning and recruitment to performance and progression, guided by first-principles thinking, data and insights.  
• Building a high-performance culture: Designing systems that allow us to translate our world-leading technology into high impact outcomes.  
• Enabling the team across all People topics: Being a partner to leadership and the broader team as a trusted advisor on people processes, performance and culture.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic HR Leadership:  
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the company's overall business objectives and growth plans  
• Provide expert advice and guidance to the executive team on all HR-related matters, including organisational development, talent management, compensation, and employee relations 
• Anticipate and address the HR implications of business decisions and strategic initiatives  
• Talent Acquisition and Management:  
• Overseeing the talent acquisition process to attract and recruit top scientific, technical, and business talent  
• Develop and implement effective onboarding and training programs to ensure new hires are quickly integrated and successful 
• Oversee performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and development planning 
• Implement succession planning strategies to identify and develop future leaders  
• Compensation and Benefits:  
• Develop and manage competitive compensation and benefits programs to attract and retain employees  
• Ensure compensation practices are aligned with company performance and market trends  
• Oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks  
• Employee Relations and Engagement:  
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes employee engagement and productivity  
• Develop and implement employee engagement initiatives to enhance morale and reduce turnover  
• Manage employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievances, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations  
• HR Operations and Compliance:  
• Oversee all HR operations, including HRIS management, payroll, and benefits administration  
• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations, including GDPR and other data privacy requirements  
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that are aligned with best practices and legal requirements  
• Manage the HR budget and ensure resources are used effectively  
• Culture and Change Management:  
• Champion company values and promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement  
• Lead organisational change initiatives, ensuring effective communication and stakeholder engagement  
• Develop and implement strategies to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization  

Skills and Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field 
• CIPD certification is highly desirable 
• Extensive progressive HR experience in a leadership role, with a passion for innovation and a proven track record of implementing creative HR solutions that have a measurable impact on the business 
• Experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry is highly preferred 
• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and regulations  
• Proven ability to develop and implement HR strategies that align with business objectives 
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills  
• Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., BambooHR) 
• Demonstrated ability to manage and resolve complex employee relations issues 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills  
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment  
• A proactive and solutions-oriented mindset  
• A commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace  
• Ability to work under pressure and handle challenging situations with composure  

What’s in it for you? Why work at Constructive Bio?   

We are a small but rapidly growing team, with a vision to become the programmable biomolecules company and push the boundaries of what’s possible between biology and chemistry. As an early joiner, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape our trajectory and make real impact from day one.   

We offer:  

• Newly fitted dedicated site in Whittlesford near Cambridge – on-site parking and regular trains to Cambridge, London and Norwich  
• Competitive salary  
• Employee share option plan  
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays  
• Private health insurance  
• Pension plan (matching up to 8%)  
• Collaborative and pioneering environment, at the leading edge of synthetic genomics and engineered translation  

We want to build a team with trust and respect for each other and create a culture of collaboration, openness, curiosity, and scientific excellence.    

We are built on three principles:   

• We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success.    
• We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break moulds.   
• We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.   

Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.   

Please note that we work in a dog-friendly office