Senior Specialist, HR Operations

Using living cells to treat - and sometimes even cure - cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response. We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell's product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Specialist is responsible for overseeing HR systems and related processes, ensuring seamless system functionality and enhancements. Reporting to the CHRO, this role drives operational efficiency by managing HRIS administration, including recruiting and reward systems. Additionally, this role leads onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring a smooth and engaging employee experience from entry to exit. With a focus on compliance, data integrity, and continuous improvement, this position plays a key role in managing HR Policies, streamlining HR operations and enhancing workforce engagement.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage system-related components of HR programs and practices; provide ideas and input to the development and continuous improvement of broader projects
• Provide targeted reporting and analytics to Leadership to facilitate HR programs and practices as well as to analyze and identify actions to improve employee and business outcomes
• Manage the configuration and ongoing capability of Lyell's HR Information System - UKG (HRIS) & Applicant Tracking System -Greenhouse (ATS)
• Primary contact for the business in reviewing, managing and processing HR transactions in the HRIS and ATS
• Support the coordination of resources to ensure projects are delivered on time and accurately and recommend process improvement to enhance the efficiency of HR policies and practices
• Own and manage the recognition program and company store; monitor usage and recommend improvements to maximize the impact of these programs
• Develop and maintain records retention process which includes managing active and inactive employee files and support for storage of records
• Provide guidance to Managers and Employees in relation to HR systems and the HR/People Team Web regarding access and inquiries
• Manage background checks, onboarding, New Hire Orientation, and offboarding
• Conduct new hire orientations, collaborating with internal partners and Executives to provide an engaging, high quality onboarding experience; suggest improvements and recommendations to optimize overtime.
• Manage the verification of sensitive employee data including employment verification letters, I-9 verifications (E-Verify), etc.
• Partner with external MSP to oversee and manage the contingent workforce; partner with Compensation to set rates annually that are aligned with internal incumbents.
• Evaluate and implement a new compensation planning tool; manage ongoing operations of this system post-implementation

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related discipline with 7 - 10 years' experience in an HR system (UKG), operations or analyst role
• Must have demonstrated experience with HR Systems, UKG, Greenhouse preferred
• Experience in maintaining and presenting employee programs (e.g., New Hire Orientation, System Training)
• Proven proficiency with business systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, DocuSign, LinkedIn)
• Exceptional judgment in maintaining confidentiality of employee information
• Outstanding customer service and proactive problem-solving skills
• Strong team interaction and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, able to present data and recommendations in an easy to understand, organized, and logical manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively
• Attention to detail, organizational and prioritization skills to support high volume activity

Lyell offers its employees a range of compensation and benefits. To assist you with your decision to apply for this role, the following decision to apply for this role, the following information and links to our site highlight our competitive market position and support to our employees and their dependents.

The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $145,000, annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus. The salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on Lyell's compensation practices and an applicant's qualifications and experience. Employees are also eligible to participate in Lyell's Equity Incentive Plan.

Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits currently include 18 days' vacation, 9 day's sick leave, 8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday. We also have a summer and a winter office shutdown.

At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees. Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

We've learned from experience that some of the best people don't always match our requirements perfectly - if you're interested and think you could fit, please don't hesitate to apply.