Manager/Sr. Manager, Human Resources

About Us: 

Oruka Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ORKA) is developing novel biologics designed to set a new standard for the treatment of chronic skin diseases. Oruka’s mission is to offer patients suffering from chronic skin diseases like plaque psoriasis the greatest possible freedom from their condition by achieving high rates of complete disease clearance with dosing as infrequently as once or twice per year. Oruka is advancing a proprietary portfolio of potentially best-in-class antibodies that were engineered by Paragon Therapeutics and target the core mechanisms underlying plaque psoriasis and other dermatologic and inflammatory diseases. For more information, visit www.orukatx.com

As we build our core team, we're seeking top talent in different functional areas who are not just looking for a job, but an opportunity to be part of something bigger.  Someone who is passionate about making a difference and eager to contribute to establishing an engaged, inclusive, and positive company culture.  

Manager/Sr. Manager, Human Resources

Location: Hybrid - Menlo Park, CA (3 days onsite/week)

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director, Human Resources, the Manager/Sr. Manager, Human Resources will serve as a trusted HR generalist who supports the day-to-day execution of key HR programs and operations. This hands-on role partners closely with the Senior Director to deliver operational excellence across the employee lifecycle, including recruiting support, onboarding, HR operations, benefits administration, leave management, compliance, performance management administration, and employee engagement.

The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative HR professional who enjoys working in a growing organization, exercises sound judgment, and is committed to providing outstanding service to employees and managers while continuously improving HR processes and programs.

Key Responsibilities

Recruiting & Onboarding

• Partner with the Talent Acquisition team and hiring managers to coordinate recruiting activities, interview scheduling, offer preparation, and other aspects of the hiring process.
• Coordinate new hire onboarding and orientation to ensure a seamless and engaging employee experience.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for new hires during the onboarding process.
• Maintain job descriptions and applicant tracking system information in partnership with Talent Acquisition.
• Prepare recruiting reports and hiring metrics as needed.

HR Operations

• Serve as a resource for employees by responding to routine HR-related questions and directing more complex matters to the Senior Director, Human Resources as appropriate.
• Support the Senior Director and managers in the consistent administration and communication of HR policies, programs, and processes.
• Coordinate performance management activities, including review cycles, goal-setting processes, communications, and documentation.
• Maintain HRIS data integrity and prepare reports, metrics, and analytics as needed.
• Administer employee lifecycle transactions, including hires, promotions, transfers, status changes, and separations.
• Maintain personnel files and HR documentation in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate HR compliance activities, including I-9 administration, personnel record audits, required postings, recordkeeping, and support for policy updates.
• Assist with planning and executing employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, learning opportunities, and company events.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, workflows, and employee experience through continuous process improvement.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Coordinate benefits administration in partnership with the company’s PEO and benefit providers.
• Serve as the primary internal contact for employee benefits questions and support annual open enrollment activities.
• Coordinate leave of absence administration, including FMLA, ADA, parental leave, disability, and applicable state and local leave programs.
• Track leave requests, documentation, eligibility, and return-to-work activities while partnering with the PEO, payroll, employees, and managers to ensure accurate administration.
• Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws related to benefits and leave administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably as an HR Generalist or HR Operations professional in a biotech, life sciences, or other fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting a high-growth startup or publicly traded company is preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations.
• Experience supporting benefits administration, leave management, HRIS administration, onboarding, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms; experience working with a PEO and applicant tracking systems is preferred.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, high-growth environment where priorities evolve quickly.

Compensation

An appropriate compensation package will include a competitive base salary, equity, and performance-based bonus opportunity.

The anticipated salary range for Manager level is $146,000-$161,000 and Sr. Manager level is $161,000 - $187,000, with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

What We Offer:

• A chance to be part of a vibrant startup culture where your work can directly impact bringing new medicines to patients.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and inclusive team environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.