Director of People & Administration

Director of People & Administration

Fremont, CA | Veterinary Operations Full-Time | On-Site Salary: $125,000 - 150,000 annually

Beacon Veterinary Specialists is seeking a Director of People & Administration to lead HR, compliance, payroll/benefits coordination, and administrative operations for our growing veterinary organization, including our Central Veterinary Hospital (Fremont) and Animal Eye Care (Pleasanton) locations.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is highly organized, people-centered, and experienced in California HR practices. The ideal candidate is comfortable supporting managers, handling sensitive employee matters, overseeing administrative processes, and helping a multi-location veterinary team run smoothly.

Responsibilities

People & HR Leadership

• Oversee the employee lifecycle, including offers, onboarding, employee changes, leaves of absence, accommodations, separations, and related documentation for ~120 employees
• Lead, support, and develop a team of ~5 full-time administrative direct reports while c larifying ownership, priorities, and backup coverage for recurring administrative functions
• Serve as a resource to clinic managers on employee relations, coaching, policy guidance, and documentation
• Support consistent HR practices across teams and locations while maintaining confidentiality, accuracy, and accountability
• Partner with leadership on job descriptions, compensation support, employee communications, and policy updates
• Help maintain a professional, compliant, and people-centered workplace

Payroll, Benefits & Employee Systems

• Coordinate payroll, benefits administration, open enrollment, and employee records
• Work with outside HR, payroll, benefits, and risk-management partners
• Ensure employee changes, new hires, and separations are processed accurately and on time
• Maintain organized HR systems, records, and recurring administrative workflows

Compliance, Licensing & Risk Administration

• Track and support employment compliance, required training, licenses, permits, renewals, insurance documentation, and other recurring administrative deadlines
• Help ensure company policies, records, and documentation remain current
• Coordinate with outside advisors, vendors, and leadership on compliance-related matters
• Support safety, documentation, and risk-management processes across the organization

Business & Financial Administration

• Provide oversight for key administrative finance processes, including vendor records, accounts payable support, client account procedures, banking access coordination, and related documentation
• Partner with leadership and outside accounting resources to support accurate, timely administrative inputs
• Help maintain organized systems for financial administration, recurring payments, renewals, and business records What Success Looks Like (First Year)
• No missed renewals, filings, or postings on the control register with monthly verification delivered to the CEO
• Every hire paid correctly on the first cycle; every separation executed compliant with California final-pay law
• Leaves and accommodations administered on time with complete documentation
• Employee-relations documentation maintained to a standard that would withstand agency or counsel review
• Administrative team cross-trained with a capable backup for every critical function and procedures documented
• Managers report fast and clear HR support

Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive HR experience
• Professional HR certification: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP
• Hands-on experience with employee relations and leave administration
• Knowledge of California employment practices
• Experience supervising or leading team members
• Strong judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
• Excellent organization, follow-through, and communication skills
• Comfortable working on-site full-time in Fremont, CA with occasional work responsibilities outside of standard business hours

Preferred Experience

• PEO, payroll, benefits, or HRIS experience
• Exposure to payroll, bookkeeping, accounts payable, or administrative finance processes
• Multi-site or multi-entity experience
• Veterinary, healthcare, or regulated-industry background
• PHRca certification or willingness to obtain California-specific HR certification

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Paid time off
• CE allowance + professional certification support
• Pet discounts + employee pet insurance
• Supportive leadership team

Beacon Veterinary Specialists is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.