People Lead (AI)

Location: On-site in San Francisco or Bellevue; four days per week in the office required

Salary: $220,000–$280,000 per year

Company

Sesame is developing a new kind of computer that uses lifelike voice agents to enable natural interaction between people and technology.

What you will do

• Set the strategy and operating model for the People function and build a high-performing People team.
• Establish scalable infrastructure across HR systems, payroll, benefits, immigration, onboarding, policies, compliance, employee relations, and People data.
• Partner with leadership on organization design, team structures, leadership roles, succession planning, and organizational change.
• Build practical approaches to goal-setting, feedback, performance, development, promotions, and manager accountability.
• Develop compensation philosophy, leveling, salary ranges, equity practices, benefits, and performance check-ins.
• Advise founders and senior leaders on sensitive people and organizational decisions while shaping and protecting company culture.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive People leadership experience across People Operations, HRBP, and organizational development.
• Experience building and scaling People functions in fast-moving technology companies during significant growth and organizational change.
• Deep understanding of organization design, performance management, compensation, employee relations, and U.S. employment practices.
• Strong business judgment and experience advising founders and senior leaders on complex organizational decisions.
• Ability to develop strategy while also handling detailed operational work, with high standards for talent, leadership, execution, empathy, and self-awareness.
• Willingness to work four days per week in the office and remain highly engaged in person.

Nice to have

• Experience in AI, hardware, or another technically complex and rapidly evolving industry.
• Experience leading People at a venture-backed startup through rapid growth.
• Experience scaling organizations across multiple locations or integrating international employment practices.
• Experience using AI to improve recruiting, People Operations, employee experience, or organizational effectiveness.

Culture & Benefits

• 401(k) employer match of up to 3.5% of compensation.
• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for employees and dependents.
• Unlimited paid time off and sick time.
• Medical flexible spending account with employer matching of up to $1,650 per year.
• Employee Assistance Program and competitive stock options.