People Operations Lead

About AfterQuery

AfterQuery is an applied research laboratory specializing in providing curated data solutions essential for foundational model development. Serving leading AI research organizations, AfterQuery's mission is to make expert knowledge—once requiring lifetimes to accumulate—accessible to those who need it most. Our clientele consists primarily of teams developing foundational AI models, with our contributions directly influencing improvements in those systems.

Following a successful $30 million Series A funding round with a valuation of $300 million, AfterQuery has rapidly expanded to achieve a revenue run rate exceeding $100 million. We operate out of San Francisco and are supported by prominent investors such as Altos Ventures, BoxGroup, Y Combinator, and angels from notable AI organizations including Google DeepMind, OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta Superintelligence Labs, and Microsoft AI.

Role Overview

This position represents AfterQuery’s inaugural dedicated HR Operations hire, reporting directly to the Head of Business Operations & People. The incumbent will manage the core operational functions of the People team, including payroll accuracy and timeliness, employee benefits administration, HR compliance, and employee relations. This role requires overseeing daily operational decisions and record management, ensuring legal compliance, and cultivating a supportive environment for employees to perform effectively.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to build HR infrastructure from scratch within a fast-paced, talent-rich environment. As the trusted point of contact for staff at the grassroots level, you will act as both advisor and advocate, balancing strong interpersonal skills with sound judgment to safeguard company compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processes to guarantee accuracy, timely delivery, and legal compliance, liaising with the finance department on payroll funding and reporting.
• Oversee employee benefits programs including plan selection, open enrollment, vendor relationships, and day-to-day support for staff.
• Lead HR compliance efforts related to employment laws in California and other states as the company grows, managing visa sponsorships, leave policies, I-9 documentation, recordkeeping, internal policy updates, and audit preparedness.
• Serve as the frontline resource for employee relations issues such as conflict resolution, performance management, and workplace investigations, applying empathy, careful consideration, and confidentiality.
• Develop and update HR policies and the employee handbook to reflect legal compliance and AfterQuery’s corporate culture.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of HR-related systems including HRIS, payroll, and benefits platforms as trusted sources for workforce data.
• Act as an internal ambassador for the People Operations function, promoting awareness of its services and encouraging employee engagement.
• Deliver People Operations services efficiently, accurately, and with minimal friction, while maintaining strict compliance standards.

Candidate Profile

• Possesses 5 to 8+ years of hands-on experience in HR generalist, HRBP, or HR operations roles, particularly with direct management of payroll, benefits, and compliance rather than vendor oversight alone.
• Has strong knowledge of California employment legislation and wage-hour regulations, and is adaptable to learn regulations of additional states as organizational scope broadens.
• Exhibits sound judgment in handling sensitive employee matters, upholding both company and employee perspectives fairly.
• Demonstrates genuine empathy coupled with discretion, earning trust through active listening and fair treatment in difficult conversations.
• Shows strong ownership and initiative, having built or significantly rebuilt HR infrastructure in small or rapidly scaling companies.
• Experienced in change management related to new HR policies, systems, or initiatives that drive organizational adoption without unnecessary complexity.
• Communicates clearly and calmly, emphasizing written communication to document decisions and policies efficiently.
• Thrives within fast-moving, high-growth settings where priorities may shift frequently.
• Has previous startup experience.
• Is comfortable working onsite in a San Francisco office five days per week, embracing a culture that values speed and direct feedback.

Additional Qualifications (Preferred)

• Experience managing HR compliance for a workforce comprised of both full-time employees and contractors or experts.
• Possession of professional HR certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.

Why Join AfterQuery

• Take full ownership of the People Operations function covering payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee relations within a compact, collaborative, and energetic team alongside the Head of Business Operations & People.
• Have measurable impact on everyday employee experiences by leading system decisions and operational initiatives with colleagues committed to excellence.
• Contribute your voice to a key player in the AI training-data domain with strong investor backing and operational autonomy.
• Be part of a small but high-performing team that values its people, hiring selectively and prioritizing employee retention.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

AfterQuery is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Hiring decisions are based solely on merit and consistent evaluation standards.

Compensation Range

The salary for this position ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 annually.