Executive Director, People & Culture Business Partner

About Kardigan

Kardigan is dedicated to combating cardiovascular disease by developing multiple targeted therapies aimed at making such conditions preventable, curable, and no longer the leading global cause of death. The company is led by a team of seasoned founders who previously developed mavacamten—a groundbreaking cardiac myosin inhibitor—culminating in a major acquisition in 2020. Kardigan combines advanced discovery and translational research with a late-stage product pipeline, driven by a passionate team focused on patient impact.

Company Values

• Patient and family centricity: prioritizing the needs and lives of patients above all.
• Authenticity: cultivating an environment where individuals feel fully accepted.
• Curiosity and openness: encouraging learning and adaptability.
• Team success: committed to winning with urgency, excellence, and mutual support.
• Innovation risk-taking: willing to take bold steps to accelerate scientific discoveries.

Position Overview

The Executive Director, People & Culture Business Partner will be a pivotal strategic advisor to senior leadership teams at Kardigan’s South San Francisco site. This position involves leading People & Culture initiatives that align with the organization's mission and values, fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged workforce culture. The role reports directly to the Chief People Officer and requires on-site presence four days weekly.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead People & Culture activities at the South San Francisco location ensuring consistency with company-wide strategy.
• Collaborate strategically with leaders in Research, Translational Sciences, New Targets, Discovery Research, and other areas on organizational and talent strategies.
• Manage workforce planning efforts, including forecasting headcount, succession plans, and enhancing organizational effectiveness.
• Drive initiatives that support employee engagement, performance management, and leadership development efforts.
• Work cross-functionally to implement People & Culture policies and programs smoothly.
• Promote Kardigan’s cultural values fostering authenticity, collaboration, and continuous learning environments.
• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders regarding team dynamics, employee relations, and performance development.
• Partner with centers of excellence such as Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Learning & Development to enhance employee experience and company growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related discipline preferred.
• At least 15 years of progressive Human Resources experience including a minimum of 5 years serving in strategic business partner roles for senior leaders.
• Experience in the Biotech or Pharmaceutical sectors is highly advantageous.
• Strong background in workforce planning, organizational development, and employee relations.
• Demonstrated success advising executive leadership across scientific functions, particularly in Research and Discovery domains.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with executive leaders during times of rapid growth and organizational change.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with capacity to build trust at all organizational levels.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Passion for nurturing mission-driven, inclusive workplace cultures centered on patients and people.

Additional Information

Location: South San Francisco, CA; on-site presence required Monday through Thursday.
Compensation: Salary range is $274,000 to $357,000 USD annually, dependent on skills, experience, and location.

This position plays a vital role in shaping the human capital and culture of a technology-driven healthcare company dedicated to patient impact and innovation.