Job Description

About Bedrock

Bedrock Ocean Exploration is hiring a Director of People Operations to lead our people strategy, build scalable HR infrastructure, and cultivate an exceptional employee experience across our growing, distributed workforce. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role that blends strategic vision with operational excellence. You will partner directly with the executive team to define organizational structure, performance frameworks, and company cultureensuring that our people systems enable Bedrocks mission to accelerate ocean exploration through advanced robotics and technology.

Our workforce spans multiple U.S. states, with headquarters and hardware operations based in Richmond, CA. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in managing hybrid and distributed teams, strong fluency in California and multi-state employment law, and a track record of developing high-performing, mission-driven organizations.

What Youll Do

• Strategic People Leadership: Partner with the executive team to develop and execute a long-term HR strategy aligned with Bedrocks mission, business objectives, and cultural values; serve as a trusted advisor on organizational design, workforce planning, and talent strategy; drive initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, accountability, and inclusion across remote and in-office teams; establish scalable people processes that support growth while maintaining agility and a strong cultural foundation.
• Organizational Development & Performance: Develop and maintain career frameworks, leveling systems, and performance management programs; lead leadership development, manager enablement, and team effectiveness; guide organizational planning including headcount forecasting, team restructuring, and succession planning; foster a culture of continuous feedback and growth.
• HR Operations, Compliance & Risk Management: Oversee onboarding/offboarding, payroll, benefits administration, and employee lifecycle management; ensure compliance with federal, California, and multi-state regulations, updating policies and handbooks as needed; manage employee relations with professionalism and discretion; partner with external HR and legal advisors on complex compliance and risk scenarios; develop HR programs and policies supporting front-line maritime personnel, robotics manufacturing, and field operations with safety and engagement in high-travel environments.
• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning: Collaborate with hiring managers to design scalable, inclusive hiring practices; drive workforce planning aligned with strategic goals and operational needs; oversee onboarding for remote and onsite employees; monitor people metrics to inform decisions.

About You

Experience & Expertise

• 812+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in a senior or director-level leadership role.
• Proven experience building or scaling the HR function in technology, robotics, or field operations environments.
• Strong understanding of hybrid and distributed team dynamics with success across multiple locations.
• Deep expertise in U.S. employment law, including California and multi-state compliance.
• Ability to balance strategic initiatives with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment; trusted business partner with judgment, integrity, and discretion.
• Operational acumen and a process-driven mindset, with the ability to implement structure without sacrificing agility.
• Empathetic leadership that prioritizes transparency, trust, and employee well-being.

Bonus Experience

• Experience in hardware, robotics, or industrial technology environments.
• Direct experience supporting or managing front-line maritime, field operations, or ship-based workforces with high international travel or offshore deployments.
• Background with HRIS/PEO systems (e.g., Rippling) or implementing HRIS solutions from the ground up.
• Experience managing a mixed workforce (hourly, salaried, technical, and field operations).
• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and Bedrocks mission.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bedrock determines employment on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other protected status. If you need any reasonable accommodations in the process, please let us know how we can support you.

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