Associate Director / Director, Talent and People Operations

Manifold Bio is a dynamic biotech company building a pipeline of  targeted biologics using a novel in vivo-centric discovery approach. Our drug discovery engine is differentiated by massively parallel screening in vivo from the beginning of our discovery process. This unique platform is powered by a proprietary protein barcoding technology that allows multiplexed protein quantitation at unprecedented scale and sensitivity. We combine this and other high-throughput protein engineering approaches with computational design to create antibody-like drugs and other biologics. Our world-class team of protein engineers, biologists, and computational scientists are working together to aim the platform at therapeutic opportunities where precise targeting is the key to overcoming clinical challenges.

Position

We are seeking our first full-time People & Talent professional to support the company's growth from 35 to over 50 employees, reporting directly to the CEO and working alongside an external advisor to develop strategic talent initiatives. This role combines hands-on recruiting responsibilities with comprehensive people operations including onboarding, HR operations, employee benefits, and career development. The ideal candidate will have startup experience in tech or biotech, hands-on familiarity with tools like Greenhouse and Google Workspace, curiosity about AI applications, and strong communication abilities. This position has the opportunity to grow into broader HR business partner functions for the right person who can balance empathetic people leadership with sharp business judgment and creative problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key talent acquisition leader, overseeing recruitment processes from sourcing to offer acceptance
• Lead employee onboarding and offboarding across all stages, ensuring seamless transitions and compliance 
• Maintain and update employee records, ensuring data accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with regulatory requirements 
• Spearhead the performance management process, including managing frameworks, compensation planning, promotion cycles, and career progression pathways aligned with company growth
• Provide leadership coaching and development to managers and employees, promoting a culture of continuous learning and growth
• Manage company benefits, including annual renewals, employee communications, and enrollment 
• Drive employee engagement initiatives and recognition programs, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, human resources, business administration or related field
• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience with demonstrated success in building HR functions
• Experience at a high growth startup in the biotech or tech industry strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of comprehensive HR operations including employee benefits, talent acquisition, and people systems
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills with high attention to detail
• Proven track record maintaining confidentiality with sensitive employee information
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a culture ambassador 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization
• Hands-on experience building new programs from the ground up
• Ability to develop pragmatic, fit-for-purpose programs that demonstrate immediate impact
• Experience with / ability to quickly master administrative programs such as Greenhouse, Gusto, Carta or other programs

If this role seems like a great fit, email a resume and short cover letter describing your ideal hiring process to careers@manifold.bio. 

We value different experiences and ways of thinking and believe the most talented teams are built by bringing together people of diverse cultures, genders, and backgrounds.