Senior Manager, People

About the role

OXMAN, a nature‑based research and design firm in Manhattan, is looking for a Senior Manager, People to own the full employee lifecycle. Reporting to the CFO, you will build and run the People function as a one‑person team, shaping culture, policies, and growth strategy for a fast‑moving, interdisciplinary organization.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute People strategies aligned with company objectives, including policy development, compliance, and culture initiatives.
• Own the end‑to‑end talent acquisition process for research, design, engineering, and operations roles.
• Manage external recruiting partners and ensure alignment with OXMAN’s talent profile.
• Develop and administer performance management, employee engagement, recognition, and succession planning programs.
• Advise the CFO and senior leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, and scaling strategy.
• Oversee compensation benchmarking, benefits administration, and payroll operations.
• Support managers with employee relations, conflict resolution, and change management.
• Maintain and optimize the People technology stack (HRIS, ATS, payroll systems) and produce data‑driven metrics.

Required profile

• Proven experience building People infrastructure in startup, incubator, or fast‑growth environments.
• Strong recruiting instincts and ability to execute all stages of hiring.
• Comfortable advising senior leadership on strategic workforce matters.
• Excellent understanding of federal and New York State employment law.
• Hands‑on mindset with the ability to roll up sleeves for day‑to‑day HR tasks.

Required skills

• HRIS
• ATS
• Payroll systems

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape People strategy at a visionary design and science company.
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary environment focused on environmental impact.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.