What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of People position at Beewise?
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, we’re on a mission to save the most important pollinators on Earth—bees—and we’re the only company on the planet doing it at scale.
We’ve developed the world’s 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 threats—bringing about a meaningful, measurable impact on biodiversity and food security.
We’re not just a tech company. We’re a movement—and we’re 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 years—multiplying 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. operations—including recruitment. You’ll 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. You’ll 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 structure—spanning 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 We're 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 skills—empathetic, 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 purpose—every day
