Head of People

About the job

Position Overview

We are looking for a versatile senior-level HR leader with a proven track record in dynamic, fast-growing startup environments. As the Head of People, you will report to the CEO and serve as a strategic business partner responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive people strategy that aligns with our company’s growth objectives, and fosters an innovative, collaborative, and high-performance culture. The ideal candidate will have the ability to think strategically, execute from conception to completion, and the ability to work both collaboratively and autonomously in a high-growth startup environment.

This is a full-time role with a salary range of $175K-$200K per year, depending on experience. This role will work from our office in Los Angeles Monday-Friday. We offer a competitive salary, health insurance, 401k, and great opportunities for growth within the company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

HR Planning:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive people strategy that aligns with the company's growth objectives and builds a culture of innovation, collaboration, and execution
• Evaluate current processes and propose improvements for employee engagement, salary planning and leveling that will establish consistency across the organization

Recruiting:

• Oversee and enable global talent acquisition efforts including developing our employer brand, job postings, resume screening, and supporting hiring managers to ensure we are attracting top talent

Compensation & Benefits:

• Design and manage competitive compensation and benefits programs to attract, retain, and reward top talent while aligning with market trends and company goals

Employee Relations:

• Serve as a trusted advisor on employee relations matters, fostering an inclusive and engaged workplace while addressing concerns proactively
• Establish clear escalation processes and mediate disputes between employees and management to maintain a harmonious work environment
• Lead initiatives to support a culture of engagement, belonging, and high performance
• Regularly assess employee satisfaction and engagement through surveys and feedback mechanisms to inform continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with global employment laws and regulations

Performance Management:

• Build and execute performance management frameworks that drive business impact, foster culture-building, and ensure alignment with company objectives.

Learning & Development:

• Develop and deliver continuous learning initiatives that enhance skills, bridge gaps, and support employees' professional growth in the fast-evolving media industry

Culture & Employee Experience

• Develop and manage structured onboarding processes that help new hires integrate smoothly and effectively into the company. Implement thoughtful offboarding practices that include exit interviews and system deactivation to ensure compliance and knowledge transfer
• Design a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment, through team-building initiatives, regular check-ins, and employee recognition programs

Leadership:

• Demonstrate leadership capabilities that influence and support all the other teams, positioning the HR function as a strategic partner and enabler for the entire organization

Minimum Requirements

• 10+ years of direct experience on a People team in an entertainment startup, ideally at a company that grew to more than 65 employees
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information with empathy and discretion
• Positive and scrappy attitude, energized by fast-paced environments
• Ability to proactively solve problems and operate as an HR team of one (for now)

Why Join Unwell?

Unwell is shaping the future of storytelling across podcasts, radio, film, television, live events, and consumer products. With a rapidly expanding media presence, we are breaking new ground in the industry. Our dynamic, fast-paced environment is the perfect place for a forward-thinking HR leader to make a real impact.

As Head of People, you will have the freedom to build, shape, and scale our people strategy, culture, and policies in a way that aligns with our innovative vision. There are no rigid structures—the sky is the limit in how you craft an engaging, high-performance workplace.

If you’re passionate about fostering culture, supporting talent, and driving the future of entertainment, this is your opportunity to be part of something truly groundbreaking.