Principal People Business Partner

About the role

We are seeking a Principal People Business Partner to serve as a key advisor in organizational development and executive consulting. This position involves collaborating with various business units to align their strategies with overarching company goals. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic foresight and practical problem-solving skills to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Partner with business leaders to ensure their team structures are aligned with product and commercial objectives, crafting actionable "People Plans" tailored to each unit's needs.
• Create and implement organizational frameworks that allow business units to remain agile while benefiting from centralized resources and technological advancements.
• Identify and address friction points within the organization, assisting leaders in enhancing team dynamics and making informed trade-offs between speed and quality.
• Collaborate with the Head of People Operations & Programs and the Total Rewards Manager to devise localized talent development and retention strategies, safeguarding employees from external poaching.
• Focus on executing targeted solutions that drive significant business outcomes for each unit, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives.
• Design the future model for People Partnering within the organization, with the potential to build and lead a dedicated team as the company grows.
• Conduct regular assessments of organizational health and employee engagement, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions aimed at enhancing leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executives, providing insights on talent management, organizational design, and change initiatives.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices in people management to inform strategic decisions and initiatives.
• Advocate for a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, ensuring that all employees feel valued and engaged.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive initiatives that enhance employee experience and organizational effectiveness.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in People Partnering, HR Business Partnering, organizational development, or management consulting.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in a Director or Principal role, demonstrating leadership capabilities.
• Proven track record in organizational design, change management, and the development of scalable organizations, particularly in technical and agile environments.
• Extensive experience in high-growth sectors such as AI, deep technology, biotech, or complex research and development settings.
• Ability to create effective frameworks, operational plans, and accountability structures from the ground up in mid-sized organizations (200-500 employees).
• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Organizational Development, Human Resources, or a related discipline is required.

Nice to have

• Advanced degrees such as a Master's, MBA, or PhD are preferred.
• Experience navigating the complexities of commercializing scientific research.
• A strategic mindset paired with a strong drive for execution and measurable business impact.
• A solid understanding of product roadmaps and commercial outcomes from a business perspective.
• Intellectual curiosity regarding complex deep-tech and scientific environments, especially in AI.
• An adaptable influencing style that resonates with diverse leadership teams.
• Comfort in navigating ambiguity, balancing macro trends with specific problem-solving.
• A pragmatic approach to talent solutions and team development that challenges conventional thinking.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in Organizational Design
• Proficiency in Change Management
• Strong capabilities in Strategic Planning
• Experience in Executive Coaching
• Development of Talent Strategy
• Implementation of Retention Strategy
• Solid Business Acumen

Practical notes

• This position is fully remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements.
• The compensation package includes a competitive base salary, performance-based incentives, and opportunities for equity participation.
• Comprehensive benefits encompass medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings with company matching, paid parental leave, and inclusive family-building benefits.
• The company promotes flexible paid time off, seasonal breaks, and supports various flexible work arrangements.
• Continuous learning and growth opportunities are available through on-the-job development, cross-functional collaboration, and internal programs.
• SandboxAQ is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities throughout the application process.

About the company

SandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company's Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) power advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cybersecurity, and other sectors.