Head of People Operations

Sydecar is on a mission to transform the world of private markets. Our goal is to make these markets more accessible, transparent, and liquid, and we're achieving this by revolutionizing the way investment vehicles are created and executed.

At Sydecar, we're not just a platform; we're a trusted partner in venture capital. We're dedicated to simplifying and standardizing the private investing experience, empowering capital allocators to discover and support visionary entrepreneurs who are shaping the future.

Our platform is designed with ease and efficiency in mind. We take care of all the behind-the-scenes tasks, from automating banking, ensuring compliance, handling contracts, managing taxes, to streamlining reporting. This leaves investors the freedom to concentrate on what matters most: making valuable deals and nurturing meaningful relationships.

Join us at Sydecar, as we lead the charge in revolutionizing private investing.

LOCATION: Seattle, NYC, or SF

About the position

Sydecar is looking for an experienced people leader with a track record of building People Operations from the ground up. As the Head of People Operations, reporting to the CEO, you'll have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of our organization. You'll be at the forefront of building an inclusive culture that empowers our team to thrive, innovate, and drive success. You'll collaborate closely with leadership to develop comprehensive employee programs, and create a work environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. You will own and optimize our eNPS (Employee Net Promoter Score), which is a key measure of our success at Sydecar.

If you thrive in high-growth high-momentum startup environments and are passionate about shaping a dynamic workplace, this is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting impact and grow with us.

This is a hybrid role based in our San Francisco, Seattle or New York City office, requiring in-office attendance two days per week.

What you’ll do

People Strategy & Leadership Support

• Make it easy for our high-impact team to get great work done and grow together.

• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on people-related matters and best practices, guiding them in performance management, compliance, career development, and team dynamics to support sustainable growth.

• Foster collaboration across the People function to ensure a cohesive and unified approach to people strategy.

• Analyze People data to provide executives with recommendations to improve employee engagement and overall company health.

• Build and fine-tune our foundational workplace policies around employee conduct, benefits, compliance, time off, and hybrid work to provide structure, clarity, and consistency as we grow. 

Culture and Employee Experience 

• Foster a positive workplace culture that reflects our values, fosters engagement, and enhances employee satisfaction.

• Oversee the development and implementation of programs and retention strategies that enhance employee well-being, work-life balance, and overall experience.

• Regularly measure and track employee satisfaction through pulse surveys and feedback mechanisms. Conduct exit interviews and analyze feedback.

• Serve as a key point of contact for employee and manager concerns, providing guidance and resolution. 

Learning & Development

• Drive our foundational performance management processes (performance cycles, calibration and reviews, compensation, promotions, etc.).

• Build performance and development frameworks by implementing regular feedback cycles, establishing career paths, and supporting continuous learning initiatives to support employee growth and leadership development.

• Train managers on performance management techniques and provide support for performance improvement plans.

• Maintain employee handbooks, workplace codes of conduct, and all documentation related to HR processes, procedures, and policies.

Compensation & Benefits 

• Work closely with the finance and senior leadership to design and manage competitive compensation strategies and benefits. Conduct yearly market analysis to ensure equitable pay practices.

• Oversee and manage payroll processes and serve as the point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.

• Advocate for and oversee benefits programs, including medical, dental, 401(k) etc. Manage and support annual open enrollment, from plan design/selection, communications, and employee education.

• Manage and maintain our HR system, currently Rippling.

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure that the company's People policies, procedures, and practices adhere to all relevant legal requirements, labor laws, regulations, and industry standards.

• Establish procedures for investigating employee complaints, terminations, and other sensitive issues should they occur.

• Implement secure record-keeping practices for personnel files and sensitive information.

• Manage and conduct audits of HR procedures to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, proactively identifying areas for improvement.

What you’ll need

• 5+ years of progressive People Ops/HR experience.

• 3+ years experience leading People Ops at a fast growing company.

• Experience leading core people functions including, training and development, engagement and retention, compensation, benefits & compliance, and employee relations.

• Strong understanding of labor laws, employment regulations, and compliance requirements.

• Expertise in managing benefits programs and enrollment, including medical, dental, 401(k), and other offerings.

• Experience managing and maintaining HR systems.

• Ability to think strategically and drive organizational change while juggling priorities.

• Empathetic mindset, strong emotional intelligence, and a commitment to creating a safe, supportive culture that meets diverse employee needs.

• Proven experience developing and rolling out new people programs. 

• Adaptable, resourceful, and comfortable navigating change in a fast-paced startup  environment

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Psychology, Human Resources or similar.

Bonus if you have

• Experience with tools in our People tech stack: including Rippling, Ramp, Notion, and Slack.

• Early stage startup experience

• Experience working in a values-based company

You’ll enjoy these benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus program

• PTO and sick leave

• Generously covered medical, dental, vision

• Stock options program

• 401k program with 4% employer match

• Personal data plan reimbursement

• Annual professional development stipend

• Annual wellness stipend

• Workspace allotment

• Commuter benefits

• Life insurance

• Parental leave for all employees

Our values are important to the way we live and work at Sydecar. They guide our priorities, behaviors and interactions.

Ownership

We are committed to and proud of our work and growth. We hold ourselves accountable for achieving our goals. 

Excellence

We set and exceed ambitious goals through ownership, data-driven decisions, and rigorous execution.

Humility

We value feedback and recognize that growth comes from learning from each other and our experiences.

Win Together

We are driven by a passion for winning and we champion the success of our team members, our customers, and our partners.

Sydecar is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Sydecar are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Sydecar will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Sydecar encourages applicants of all ages.