Director of People & AdministrationFremont, CA | Veterinary OperationsFull-Time | On-SiteSalary: $125,000 - 150,000 annually
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is highly organized, people-centered, and experienced in California HR practices. The ideal candidate is comfortable supporting managers, handling sensitive employee matters, overseeing administrative processes, and helping a multi-location veterinary team run smoothly.
ResponsibilitiesPeople & HR Leadership- Oversee the employee lifecycle, including offers, onboarding, employee changes, leaves of absence, accommodations, separations, and related documentation for ~120 employees
- Lead, support, and develop a team of ~5 full-time administrative direct reports while clarifying ownership, priorities, and backup coverage for recurring administrative functions
- Serve as a resource to clinic managers on employee relations, coaching, policy guidance, and documentation
- Support consistent HR practices across teams and locations while maintaining confidentiality, accuracy, and accountability
- Partner with leadership on job descriptions, compensation support, employee communications, and policy updates
- Help maintain a professional, compliant, and people-centered workplace
Payroll, Benefits & Employee Systems- Coordinate payroll, benefits administration, open enrollment, and employee records
- Work with outside HR, payroll, benefits, and risk-management partners
- Ensure employee changes, new hires, and separations are processed accurately and on time
- Maintain organized HR systems, records, and recurring administrative workflows
Compliance, Licensing & Risk Administration- Track and support employment compliance, required training, licenses, permits, renewals, insurance documentation, and other recurring administrative deadlines
- Help ensure company policies, records, and documentation remain current
- Coordinate with outside advisors, vendors, and leadership on compliance-related matters
- Support safety, documentation, and risk-management processes across the organization
Business & Financial Administration- Provide oversight for key administrative finance processes, including vendor records, accounts payable support, client account procedures, banking access coordination, and related documentation
- Partner with leadership and outside accounting resources to support accurate, timely administrative inputs
- Help maintain organized systems for financial administration, recurring payments, renewals, and business records
What Success Looks Like (First Year)- No missed renewals, filings, or postings on the control register with monthly verification delivered to the CEO
- Every hire paid correctly on the first cycle; every separation executed compliant with California final-pay law
- Leaves and accommodations administered on time with complete documentation
- Employee-relations documentation maintained to a standard that would withstand agency or counsel review
- Administrative team cross-trained with a capable backup for every critical function and procedures documented
- Managers report fast and clear HR support
Qualifications- 4+ years of progressive HR experience
- Professional HR certification: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP
- Hands-on experience with employee relations and leave administration
- Knowledge of California employment practices
- Experience supervising or leading team members
- Strong judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
- Excellent organization, follow-through, and communication skills
- Comfortable working on-site full-time in Fremont, CA with occasional work responsibilities outside of standard business hours
Preferred Experience- PEO, payroll, benefits, or HRIS experience
- Exposure to payroll, bookkeeping, accounts payable, or administrative finance processes
- Multi-site or multi-entity experience
- Veterinary, healthcare, or regulated-industry background
- PHRca certification or willingness to obtain California-specific HR certification
Benefits- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer contribution
- Paid time off
- CE allowance + professional certification support
- Pet discounts + employee pet insurance
- Supportive leadership team
