Head of People

About the role

You will be Salient’s first dedicated people leader, taking the HR function from a foundational to a strategic level. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will partner with the leadership team on all people‑related decisions and shape the company’s culture during a rapid growth phase.

Key responsibilities

• Design and own the people strategy, including performance management, compensation, employee development and culture initiatives.
• Partner with leadership on organizational design, headcount planning and talent decisions.
• Refine HR policies, ensure multi‑state compliance and optimize benefits programs.
• Implement performance management frameworks, goal‑setting, reviews and promotion cycles.
• Lead compensation strategy, maintain equitable pay bands, manage equity grants and conduct market benchmarking.
• Drive culture and engagement programs such as team events, values definition, DEI initiatives and employee feedback loops.
• Coach managers on difficult conversations, resolve conflicts and handle sensitive employee matters.
• Build manager enablement programs covering feedback, performance management and hiring decisions.

Required profile

• 5‑8+ years of experience in People/HR roles at high‑growth startups, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
• Proven track record scaling HR functions in early‑stage companies (50‑200 employees) and designing core people processes.
• Strong business‑partner mindset, excellent judgment on sensitive employee matters and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments.

What we offer

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision coverage, a generous 401(k) plan and catered lunches.
• Opportunity to shape the people function from the ground up and work directly with the CEO and senior leadership.
• Dynamic, fast‑paced startup environment with a focus on AI‑driven financial services.