People Operations Specialist Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

INTRODUCTION

Halo Industries is a spin-out from Stanford University that excels at manufacturing with light. The company has developed and operationalized a range of proprietary innovations that replace traditional mechanical, chemical and thermal manufacturing processes with novel laser-based equivalents that provide higher quality, lower cost, enhanced functionality and minimal environmental footprint. The initial focus is on the silicon carbide market for advanced applications such as electromobility, AI datacenters, augmented reality glasses, defense, industrial motor drives, energy, and electric grid. The company is in volume production serving a growing number of enthusiastic customers with its novel technologies providing a dramatic advantage compared to traditional manufacturers. With an exciting engineering pipeline that continues to put it even further ahead of competitors and a diverse range of revenue streams on the horizon, Halo is rapidly scaling up its operations to bring the benefits of its advanced, laser-centric manufacturing capabilities to the world.

We are seeking a strategic and experienced VP, People Operations to lead and elevate our People Team, while further building out a scaled people foundation required to support rapid, multinational growth. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leadership role will own the company's People function; developing, building, implementing and scaling comprehensive people strategies across the entire suite of People Operations functions. As a member of the Executive team, you will drive the development of a high-performance culture and foster organizational effectiveness and capability. Your leadership will be pivotal in scaling our workforce, enhancing employee experience, and supporting our ambitious product growth trajectory. The ideal candidate is outcomes oriented, challenges the status quo, and combines deep hands-on expertise with strong leadership skills, keen attention to detail and a systems mindset to scale processes, teams, and infrastructure as the company grows and changes.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:
- Own the company's People function by developing, building, implementing and scaling comprehensive multi-national People strategies that drive business objectives and company culture
- Continue to build out the People infrastructure across the entire suite of People Operations functions, including talent acquisition, org design, performance management & goal setting, compensation, compliance, learning & development, benefits administration, as well as employee relations and engagement
- Lead and develop the People team, fostering a culture of business partnership, collaboration, continuous improvement and measurable impact
- Drive and implement competitive compensation and benefits programs aligned with market standards and company goals
- Ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations in all operating regions, including Malaysia and the United States
- Promote and sustain an inclusive and equitable workplace environment where diverse perspectives are valued
- Act as a true business partner to our Senior Leadership team, driving organizational development, change management, people management and leadership development initiatives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in core People Operations roles, with hands-on experience designing, building, implementing and scaling structured people programs to drive business outcomes; minimum of 5 years leading teams in management roles with a proven track record of developing & growing team members
- Proven success in leading People functions, scaling organizations and coaching managers and leaders in growing, fast paced, California-based start up environments
- Experience supporting a mix of exempt and non-exempt employees with proven subject matter expertise in California state, regional and local employment laws and HR best practices
- Experience overseeing complex payroll operations; experience with ADP and ADP Celergo is a plus
- Willingness to be on-site 5 days a week and flex hours based on the needs of 24x7 operations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Proven strategic thinker with strong business acumen, exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills as well as demonstrated ability to influence at all levels, managing team and cross-functional partnerships effectively
- Experience acting as a consultative and collaborative business partner, gaining Leadership buy-in through transparency, socialization and influence
- Experience setting up operations and leading People functions in a multinational manufacturing environment; managing diverse, cross-cultural teams
- Experience scaling and automating core HR/People operations and systems
- Experience with headcount management and goal setting/tracking/assessment
- Experience developing training programs for leaders, managers and employees in HR systems, policies, performance management, compensation and goal setting

BENEFITS

- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Free Food & Snacks
- Stock Option Plan
- Annual Bonus Plan eligible
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Base salary $250,000 to $280,000