Sr. HR Generalist/ Manager (Contract to Hire)

We’re looking for a resourceful, detail-oriented, and execution-driven HR Manager / HR Generalist to join our core HR team and support Gatik’s G&A and Engineering organizations. In this role, you’ll operate at the intersection of strategic people partnership and hands-on HR execution—supporting corporate and technical teams while helping scale HR programs that strengthen compliance, culture, and performance. You’ll partner closely with leaders and employees across Engineering, Product, Corporate Functions (People, Finance, Legal, Operations), and other G&A teams, while also contributing to company-wide HR initiatives that improve systems, processes, and employee experience as we scale. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments, enjoys being both strategic and tactical, and brings a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset with strong organizational and analytical skills. This role is onsite 5 days a week at our Mountain View, CA office. What you'll do HR Business Partnership & Central HR Integration Serve as a trusted HR partner to leaders and employees across G&A and Engineering teams. Translate business needs into practical people solutions while ensuring alignment with core HR programs, policies, and systems. Act as a bridge between centralized HR operations and day-to-day employee needs, ensuring consistency, clarity, and scalability. HR Operations & Administration Manage day-to-day HR operations for corporate and technical employees, including onboarding, offboarding, payroll coordination, benefits support, HRIS updates, and employee data integrity. Ensure HR policies are clearly communicated, consistently applied, and compliant with applicable employment laws. Partner with Finance, Legal, and external vendors to support accurate and timely HR administration. Employee Experience & Relations Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, addressing questions and concerns with a practical, people-first approach. Handle employee relations matters professionally and confidentially, conducting investigations as needed and partnering with legal counsel or external agencies when appropriate. Coach managers through performance management, feedback, and policy interpretation. Performance, Growth & Workforce Enablement Support the full employee lifecycle for exempt and non-exempt employees, including onboarding, performance management, promotions, transfers, and exits. Partner with leaders to drive strong people practices, effective team development, and thoughtful organizational growth. Support managers in navigating change, ambiguity, and scaling challenges in a fast-growing environment. HR Analytics & Tools Leverage HR systems and spreadsheets to track workforce data, identify trends, and surface insights that inform decision-making. Help improve HR processes, documentation, and toolsets to support scale, efficiency, and a better employee experience. Research and recommend pragmatic solutions to operational or compliance challenges using internal data and external benchmarks. Culture & Onboarding Deliver a high-touch onboarding experience for new hires across Engineering and G&A teams, ensuring a strong first impression and smooth ramp-up. Support culture-building initiatives and programs aligned with Gatik’s values and operating principles. Partner with hiring managers and Recruiting to continuously improve onboarding and early employee experience. What we're looking for 5+ years of experience in HR, ideally in startups or high-growth, fast-paced environments Proven experience supporting exempt, professional, and technical employees, including multi-state compliance Strong foundation in HR operations: onboarding, employee relations, performance management, benefits, and compliance Experience partnering closely with Engineering and G&A leaders in a scaling organization High ownership, urgency, and comfort with ambiguity—you figure things out and get them done Strong analytical skills; comfortable working in spreadsheets and translating data into insights Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a calm, confident, and discreet approach Experience with HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., Rippling, ADP, or similar); Greenhouse experience is a plus Experience managing PEO relationships (e.g., TriNet) preferred Deep integrity, strong follow-through, and exceptional attention to detail