Human Resources Business Partner, Commercial (Director – Senior Director)

Position: Human Resources Business Partner, Commercial (Director – Senior Director)

Position Summary

Karuna is seeking an experienced, driven and dynamic Human Resources Business Partner to join our rapidly growing organization to support our commercial team. This is an exciting opportunity to partner with the commercial team to craft and execute the commercial strategy, build and scale a fully integrated commercial organization, and continue to cultivate our company culture of transparency and teamwork. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this critical position will be deeply immersed in the commercial business, supporting all HR business needs around the potential US commercialization of our lead product candidate, KarXT, which, if approved by the FDA, could be the first ever treatment to target muscarinic receptor circuits in schizophrenia. In this role, you will employ strong leadership and consulting skills to develop, guide and partner with the commercial function to optimize team and individual performance. This highly visible position requires excellent strategic and operational Human Resources leadership, strong organizational development experience, business acumen, strategic and analytical thinking, and the ability to influence, motivate, and communicate effectively with individuals at every level of the company.

Responsibilities:

• Understand the commercial business, strategy and plans, and work closely with commercial leadership and the organization to ensure we have the people, capabilities, structures, processes and experience to execute on those plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Commercial, Medical Affairs and supporting teams.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership and consultation to the Chief Commercial Officer and his leadership team to execute the ambitious commercial strategy and goals while continuing to build our high performing culture.
• Partner across the commercial function to raise the bar on performance by focusing on organizational design and effectiveness, talent acquisition and development, performance management and total rewards strategy.
• Ensure that a strong leadership and coaching culture permeates the function and provide expert advice and coaching to leaders and team members.
• Implement appropriate employee development programs and manage delivery in partnership with the full HR function.
• Consult with managers on promotions, pay decisions and job evaluations with a focus on designing and creating solutions that move the business forward and provide development opportunities for the team.
• Identify and drive the communication and sharing of best talent, team and culture practices across functions to support our continuous improvement.
• Manage specific projects/processes (e.g., performance management, promotions, talent review and succession planning) as determined in the annual HR operational plan and participate in functional and cross functional initiatives.
• Provide expert guidance on, and help conduct, the investigation of complaints and concerns that could result in legal ramifications or organization exposure.
• Integrate and leverage expertise and approaches across HR Administration (Compensation, Benefits, Policy, Legal, etc.) and Talent Management (e.g., Performance Management, Learning & Development, Employee Relations, and Workforce Analytics).

Qualifications

We are looking for an articulate, energetic, and dynamic leader, possessing a high degree of professionalism, integrity, emotional intelligence, and confidence. Exceptional communication skills, a passion for learning, and the ability to work in a complex, fast paced entrepreneurial environment are critical to the long-term success of this position.

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 13-15+ years' experience in Human Resources, Talent Management, Organizational Development, or relevant area.
• Significant commercial experience from biotech or big pharma and motivated by the prospect of growth in an early-stage entrepreneurial company setting.
• Proven track record of recruiting and developing high caliber individuals and building successful teams.
• Leader who has demonstrated the ability to establish a productive, accountable, positive organizational culture resulting in a high level of engagement, performance, and low level of employee turnover.
• Strong business acumen and experience in navigating complex HR issues in a commercial setting.
• Experience designing and leading Talent Management, Organizational Development and operational effectiveness initiatives.
• Exceptional people/team leadership skills.
• Strong relationship management skills.
• Strong executive presence with demonstrated ability to communicate with and influence senior leaders.
• Exceptional collaboration skills, strong relationship building and stakeholder management. Flexibility to meet commercial business needs while moving key programs and priorities forward.
• Discretion, comfort, and confidentiality in working with very sensitive information.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, allowing for an open and effective dialogue throughout the company.
• Attention to detail and quality are critical to success.
• Highly accountable for the results and outcomes of their responsibilities and understands the impact of their efforts, results, and attitudes on others.
• Uses teamwork to work cooperatively toward the most effective solutions, championing the best ideas of team members, and assisting where help is needed yet is capable of highly independent work when efficiency is required.
• Results-oriented individual who is highly motivated, decisive, flexible in thought, and has the creativity to excel in and contribute to a rapidly growing company.
• Forward thinking mindset with the ability to manage multiple projects and identify and resolve issues.
• Broad experience in an emerging, publicly traded company environment is a plus.

The successful candidate will also embody our values:

Our purpose is to create value for those we have the privilege to serve:

• We take pride in our work
• We keep our promises and deliver
• We are driven to meaningfully innovate
• We succeed through inclusion and teamwork

Karuna Therapeutics is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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