Our client is a venture-backed, clinical-stage oncology biotech and is seeking a fractional CPO / strategic HR consultant to lead the people function part-time as the company scales through key clinical and organizational milestones.

• Own the strategic HR/People agenda in a fractional capacity, reporting to the CEO
• Build people infrastructure, policies, and processes to support scale
• Lead org design and workforce planning ahead of funding and clinical milestones
• Own compensation, benefits, and equity strategy
• Partner with leadership on culture, performance management, and leadership development
• Shape talent acquisition strategy for key scientific, clinical, and executive hires
• Ensure HR compliance across US (and UK, where applicable) operations
• Advise on people matters tied to partnerships or M&A activity
• Act as trusted people advisor to the CEO and executive team

Requirements

• 15+ years HR leadership experience, including CPO/VP People roles in biotech or pharma
• Prior experience operating at fractional/consultant level with exec teams
• Track record scaling the people function at a venture-backed, clinical-stage biotech
• Comp and equity strategy experience, ideally pre-IPO/growth stage
• Comfortable navigating multi-site or multi-country (US/UK) structures
• Strong executive presence; trusted advisor to CEO and board-level stakeholders
• Able to commit 20–30 hours per week

Engagement

• Fractional/consulting basis, 20–30 hrs per week
• West Coast US, hybrid (Bay Area preferred)
• Start date and rate: TBC