Head of People (U.S.)

Head of People - US
Location: San Ramon CA
Work Mode: On-site 5 days a week
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Employment Type: Full-time

About Beewise
At Beewise were on a mission to save the most important pollinators on Earthbeesand were the only company on the planet doing it at scale.

Weve developed the worlds first autonomous beekeeping platform combining cutting-edge AI precision robotics and a deep respect for nature to radically transform how pollination and colony care are done. Our solution actively protects bees from climate change disease and other modern threatsbringing about a meaningful measurable impact on biodiversity and food security.

Were not just a tech company. Were a movementand were growing fast.

Our U.S. team currently includes approximately 55 passionate individuals (15 in the office and 40 in the field) with plans to significantly grow in the coming yearsmultiplying our employee count as we expand our impact across agriculture and the environment.

Role Overview
Beewise is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of People (U.S.) to lead all HR functions for our U.S. operationsincluding recruitment. Youll be based at our HQ in San Ramon CA where the team works on-site five days a week. This position reports directly to the CEO and is the most senior HR role in the U.S. responsible for shaping a healthy scalable compliant and people-first environment for both our office and field-based teams.

You will oversee all aspects of HR acting as an HRBP for the management team and leading initiatives across employee experience benefits payroll performance cycles and compliance. Youll also manage our lead recruiter who handles all recruiting efforts.

This is a rare opportunity to build and own the HR roadmap of a fast-scaling mission-driven startup with a unique team structurespanning technologists beekeepers sales professionals and operators.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Growth

• Work closely with the CEO and executive team to align people strategy with business goals

• Design scalable systems for the entire employee lifecycle from onboarding and performance management to retention and organizational development

• Use HR metrics and data to track health indicators and drive continuous improvement

Employee Experience & Culture

• Champion a strong inclusive and values-aligned company culture across roles and locations

• Design and lead employee engagement welfare and recognition initiatives

• Act as a trusted advisor and point of contact for all employee relations matters

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain and evolve policies procedures and handbooks in accordance with federal state and local regulations

• Oversee HRIS systems and employee records

• Ensure ongoing legal compliance for both office-based and field roles across multiple states

Payroll Benefits & Compensation

• Oversee payroll processes in coordination with Finance

• Manage and optimize health insurance PTO 401(k) and other benefit plans

• Provide strategic guidance on compensation structures and equity planning

Team Management

• Manage the U.S. lead recruiter ensuring alignment between hiring onboarding and long-term HR strategy

• Partner with operations leaders to address the unique needs of field employees across regions

What Were Looking For

Required

• 3 years in a startup environment (sub-200 employees) in a senior HRBP or Head of People capacity

• Proven experience leading an HR department including people strategy and day-to-day operations

• Comfortable being the sole HR leader or working within a lean HR team

• Deep knowledge of multi-state labor laws especially in California

• Experience supporting non-tech workforces (e.g. technicians field operators sales teams)

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skillsempathetic clear and engaging

• Highly data-driven with the ability to translate insights into action

• Strong organizational prioritization and decision-making skills

Desired Skills

• Experience in agri-tech robotics climate tech or similarly mission-driven operational startups

• Background supporting both desk-based and mobile/field teams

• Spanish language skills

• Familiarity with tools like TriNet Gusto HiBob Justworks BambooHR or similar

Why Join Us

• Shape the future of HR at a company making a global ecological impact

• Be part of a tight-knit collaborative and visionary leadership team

• Enjoy a high-autonomy role with a clear mission and room to grow

• Join an organization where technology meets purposeevery day