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People Operations Manager

Cradle
Full-time
On-site
Bay Area
People Operations
About Cradle

Cradle is a research company pursuing a moonshot goal: reversible cryopreservation to pause and resume biological time. We're building a well-resourced research environment that combines the best of academia and industry, with infrastructure, engineering, and operational capacity not typically available in traditional scientific settings.

We’re a fast-moving, mission-driven team of scientists, engineers, and operators working together to tackle hard biological problems. If you're energized by high-impact science, ambitious goals, and thoughtful team-building, we’d love to meet you.

About the Role

As People Operations Manager, you’ll play a central role in shaping Cradle’s employee experience and culture. You’ll lead across recruiting, onboarding, performance management, benefits, office operations, and company-wide programs that support a healthy, high-functioning team.

This role also serves as a trusted, confidential point of contact for employees. You’ll help cultivate a culture of psychological safety, trust, and transparency, offering support on topics ranging from upward feedback to team dynamics and well-being. You'll partner closely with leadership to identify and address early signs of burnout, misalignment, or disengagement—ensuring Cradle remains not only ambitious but also a human-centered organization.

Key Responsibilities

    • Own and evolve the full-cycle recruiting strategy across all functions and levels.
    • Build and maintain a continuous pipeline of prospective talent through proactive sourcing, outreach, and long-term relationship management.
    • Organize and coordinate recruiting events, such as open houses, campus outreach, or networking sessions, to expand Cradle’s reach and visibility.
    • Manage and track our pipeline of talent, including passive candidates, referrals, and high-potential future hires.
    • Partner with leadership to develop scalable, efficient recruiting processes.
    • Promote a compelling employer brand that reflects our values and mission.
    • Design and manage People programs including onboarding, total rewards, performance reviews, promotions, and offboarding.
    • Maintain accurate HR records and ensure compliance with employment laws.
    • Oversee benefits administration, leave policies, and HR documentation.
    • Interface with legal counsel to draft, review, and negotiate employment contracts and offer letters.
    • Act as a trusted liaison for employees to share confidential feedback or raise workplace concerns.
    • Support managers with performance conversations, feedback processes, and team dynamics.
    • Own incident response coordination for workplace injuries or safety-related events, partnering closely with legal counsel, insurance providers, and leadership.
    • Oversee daily office operations to ensure a welcoming, well-supported environment.
    • Manage supplies, IT equipment, and non-lab/facilities logistics.
    • Coordinate company-wide events, team offsites, and in-office gatherings.
    • Ensure a smooth experience for both in-person and hybrid team members.
    • Help define and uphold team norms and values as the company scales.
    • Support org development, reporting structure design, and internal policy documentation.
    • Partner with leadership to surface and act on early signs of misalignment, burnout, or communication gaps.

What We’re Looking For

    • 5+ years of experience in People Operations, HR, or Talent roles, ideally in both early-stage and high-growth environments.
    • Strong generalist experience across recruiting, onboarding, benefits, compliance, performance management, employee relations, and office operations.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; known for discretion, trust-building, and emotional intelligence.
    • Proven ability to manage sensitive feedback and team dynamics with empathy and professionalism.
    • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and adapt quickly.
    • Deep alignment with Cradle’s mission and values.

Nice to Have

    • Background or interest in science, biotech, or research-heavy environments.
    • Experience with tools like Gusto, Lever, Notion, and Google Workspace.
    • Training or certification in coaching, conflict mediation, or organizational development.

Why Join Us

    • Work on a deeply meaningful mission alongside some of the brightest minds in science and engineering.
    • Help shape the culture, infrastructure, and growth of an ambitious startup from the ground up.
    • Join a thoughtful, supportive team where mutual respect and curiosity guide how we work.
$120,000 - $145,000 a year
Apply now
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