Senior Director, Employee Experience - Spur Therapeutics

Why Spur?

Gene therapy is at an inflection point. Amidst the noise of countless emerging modalities, we've been hard at work refining our science and advancing our programs with quiet determination and a bold ambition to unlock the true potential of gene therapy to change the trajectory of more patients' lives. Come join Spur's dedicated team of scientists, physicians and other professionals who are singularly focused on using cutting-edge science and technology to transform the treatment of serious and debilitating chronic diseases.

What We Are Trying To Accomplish

We are a clinical-stage biotech company developing transformative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies. Founded in 2015, Spur is focused on developing innovative, one-time treatments that set new standards of care. Our integrated gene therapy platform includes in-house capabilities in research, protein engineering and clinical development, and we optimize every component of our product candidates to develop first- and best-in-class gene therapies. We are currently advancing a highly differentiated gene therapy candidate in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in people with Gaucher disease. We are working on additional programs in research, with a focus on CNS and cardiovascular diseases, to reach even more patients with our potentially life-changing treatments. Spur is global, with research facilities and offices in Stevenage, UK, and offices in Boston and New York.

How Will We Do It

We are relentless in our pursuit of transformative medicines for patients. We take innovation seriously and know we need to be bold both in our science and in every aspect of our work. We also know we can only achieve these things together, so we act as one Spur and expect that of each colleague in the company. We always do the right thing – the trust of patients and their caregivers is critical to our success. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, are willing to work hard to transform the lives of patients, and share our values, then Spur could be the place for you.

Role Purpose

The Senior Director, Employee Experience is a senior leader on the Human Resources/People Team who will lead global total rewards, employee engagement, wellness, and culture-building priorities. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will develop and implement strategies to elevate and sustain an exceptional employee experience and a vibrant and inclusive culture where employees thrive and deliver on our vision to bring the transformative impact of genetic medicine to millions of patients around the world.

In this highly visible position, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the culture and a work environment that aligns to our values and enables our priorities. If you want to work with a relentlessly dedicated team united towards the same goal to ensure gene therapy reaches its full, life-changing potential and you are a critical thinker with strong leadership skills and a passion for driving positive change and delivering results, join us!

This is a hybrid role located in Boston, MA.

Role and Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategies that differentiate Spur’s employer proposition, with an emphasis on bespoke equity strategies and total rewards programs that support the company’s growth objectives.
• Develop and drive initiatives to create a daily differentiated employee experience that boosts employee engagement, satisfaction, performance, and retention.
• Promote a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in support of an environment where all employees can thrive.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align the employee experience strategy with company priorities.
• Establish performance management processes to drive employee success and sustain a high-performance culture.
• Implement well-being initiatives to support employee health and wellness.
• Actively promote and represent Spur as an ‘employer of choice’ and identify opportunities for external recognition.
• Oversee a comprehensive talent acquisition process and manage contract recruiting and external partner relationships.
• Oversee onboarding and ensure that new hires are well-prepared for success.
• Benchmark and stay current about emerging global and local biotech workplace trends and take action to ensure that we maintain a competitive and differentiated experience.
• Monitor and modify policies and practices as needed to ensure full compliance with all applicable UK and US employment laws, regulations, and policies related to employees and contractors.
• Develop and direct HR policies ensuring alignment with company goals and compliance.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify opportunities to continuously improve, streamline, and simplify.

Qualification, Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of broad and progressive global biotech HR experience.
• Proven experience developing and implementing bespoke total rewards, employee engagement, and culture-building strategies, from conception to implementation.
• Subject matter expertise in design and management of equity practices, executive compensation, and long-term incentives.
• Demonstrated track record of strategic and critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, and meticulous execution with limited resources.
• Ability to credibly partner and consult with executives.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, capable of leading change and inspiring and rallying others along.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Professional demeanor, high degree of emotional intelligence, and strong people skills.
• Adept at fostering relationships, partnering, and influencing across various levels.
• Extensive familiarity with market benchmarking practices, sources, and tools.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented, self-directed, and high level of agility.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced global environment with strong prioritization skills.
• Experience in data analysis and the ability to use metrics to drive decision-making and measure the impact of initiatives.