Manager/Sr. Manager, Human Resources

About the Company

Oruka Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ORKA) is focused on developing innovative biologic medicines aimed at creating a new benchmark for treating chronic skin conditions. Its mission is to help people living with diseases such as plaque psoriasis gain the widest possible freedom from symptoms by delivering deep and durable disease control with dosing as rarely as once or twice a year. The company is advancing a proprietary set of potentially best-in-class antibodies engineered by Paragon Therapeutics and designed to address the core biology behind plaque psoriasis and other inflammatory and dermatologic diseases.

As the organization continues to build its core team, it is looking for people who want more than a routine role and are excited to help shape something meaningful. The company values individuals who care about impact and want to contribute to an engaged, inclusive, and positive workplace culture.

Role Overview

This position reports to the Senior Director of Human Resources and acts as a dependable HR generalist supporting the daily execution of important HR programs and operations. It is a hands-on role that works closely with the Senior Director to drive operational quality across the employee lifecycle, including recruiting support, onboarding, HR operations, benefits administration, leave administration, compliance, performance management administration, and employee engagement.

The right candidate will be organized, collaborative, and comfortable working in a growing company. This person should bring good judgment, a service-oriented mindset, and a commitment to improving HR processes and the employee experience.

Location and Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid role based in Menlo Park, CA, with three days per week onsite.

Key Responsibilities

Recruiting and Onboarding

• Work with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to coordinate recruiting workflows, interview calendars, offer materials, and other hiring steps.
• Plan and support new hire onboarding and orientation so employees have a smooth and welcoming start.
• Act as a main contact for new employees throughout onboarding.
• Keep job descriptions and applicant tracking system records current in coordination with Talent Acquisition.
• Prepare hiring reports and recruitment metrics when needed.

HR Operations

• Respond to common HR questions from employees and route more complex matters to the Senior Director as needed.
• Help managers and leadership communicate and apply HR policies, programs, and procedures consistently.
• Coordinate performance management activities such as review cycles, goal setting, communication, and documentation.
• Maintain accurate HRIS records and produce reports, metrics, and analysis as required.
• Handle employee lifecycle changes such as hires, promotions, transfers, status updates, and exits.
• Keep personnel files and HR documentation organized and compliant with company policies and legal requirements.
• Support HR compliance work including I-9 administration, record audits, required postings, record retention, and policy updates.
• Assist with employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, learning activities, and company events.
• Look for ways to improve HR workflows, processes, and the overall employee experience.

Benefits and Leave Administration

• Coordinate benefits administration with the company’s PEO and benefits vendors.
• Act as the internal point person for employee benefits questions and support annual open enrollment.
• Manage leave administration for FMLA, ADA, parental leave, disability, and relevant state and local programs.
• Track leave requests, supporting documents, eligibility, and return-to-work processes while working with the PEO, payroll, employees, and managers to ensure accuracy.
• Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws related to benefits and leave.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• At least 5 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in HR Generalist or HR Operations roles within biotech, life sciences, or similarly fast-moving environments.
• Experience in a high-growth startup or public company is a plus.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations.
• Background in benefits administration, leave management, HRIS administration, onboarding, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Strong organization and project management abilities with the capacity to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to manage confidential information carefully.
• Strong service orientation and the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS tools; experience with a PEO and applicant tracking systems is preferred.
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift quickly.

Compensation

The role includes a competitive base salary, equity, and eligibility for a performance-based bonus. The expected salary band is $146,000 to $161,000 for Manager level and $161,000 to $187,000 for Sr. Manager level, depending on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. The overall salary range for the role is $146,000 to $187,000 per year.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to join a startup environment where your work can directly contribute to bringing new medicines to patients.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.