Principal, HR Operations

About LaunchWell Group

The HR and talent industry wasn't built for growth-stage companies, and it shows.

LaunchWell Group is changing that. We're a next-generation People partner built specifically for organizations that are scaling fast, operating lean, and can't afford to get talent wrong. No generalist playbooks. No one-size-fits-all solutions. Just bespoke, embedded support - across CHRO, Talent, and HR - designed to meet each organization exactly where they are.

Our clients are venture-backed startups, private equity portfolio companies, and mission-driven organizations building their People function often for the first time. They come to us because the traditional options - recruiting firms, fractional leaders, PEOs - weren't built for them.

LaunchWell is.

About the Role

We’re adding a Principal, HR Operations to our team, a seasoned HR professional who can operate independently, collaborate with leaders, and manage both strategic and day-to-day People needs.

As an embedded People partner across one or more LaunchWell client engagements, you’ll own the hands on day to day HR operations, employee relations, performance processes, policies, compliance, and employee experience initiatives - working independently or under the direction of senior People leaders and specialists as needed.

This role reports to LaunchWell’s Co-Founder and Head of Talent & Delivery. It’s a fully remote, contract role that flexes with client portfolio and business needs, with limited travel possible.

Terms of Engagement & Rates

Location: Remote / Hybrid, U.S.-based
Engagement: Fractional (10-40 hours per week)
Hourly Rates: $45-65 hourly, based upon experience

• This is a fractional, independent contractor (1099) engagement.

• Monthly hours and workload may fluctuate depending on client activity, project timelines, and broader business demand

• Contractors are expected to proactively communicate availability, capacity changes, and other client commitments to support engagement planning and resource allocation.

• Engagement requires flexibility to support evolving client priorities and short planning horizons.

• Work will primarily be performed remotely, including weekly internal LaunchWell meetings and regular client meetings. Periodic onsite client support and travel may be required depending on client and engagement needs.

Scope of Work

Employee Relations & Manager Support

• Lead sensitive employee relations matters, including concerns, conflicts, investigations, performance issues, and documentation, escalating issues when needed.

• Coach managers on performance management, accountability, and difficult conversations,

• Assess risk and recommend action that balances legal, business, and employee considerations.

People Operations, Compliance & Systems

• Own and improve core HR processes, including onboarding, offboarding, employee lifecycle management, and documentation.

• Lead policy administration and compliance and manage People risks across multi-state or global teams.

• Manage HR systems, data integrity, and workforce reporting, using insights to strengthen decision-making.

• Lead the execution of performance management, engagement, culture, and other employee experience programs.

Client Partnership & Business Development

• Step into new client environments, quickly build context and trust, and deliver value with limited direction.

• Collaborate with LaunchWell and client People team members while owning coordination and follow-through.

• Identify opportunities to expand LaunchWell’s support, and contribute to proposals, pitches, and scoping that reinforce our position as a strategic partner.

Qualifications & Experience

• Eight (8)+ years of progressive HR or People Operations experience as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, People Operations Partner, or similar.

• Demonstrated experience with Rippling, Paylocity and/or Workday.

• Demonstrated experience advising executives, senior leaders, and people managers in fast-paced, changing, or ambiguous environments.

• Strong employee relations experience, including investigations, performance management, corrective action, and sensitive employee matters.

• Strong knowledge of HR operations, employee lifecycle processes, compliance, People systems, and multi-state employment practices.

• Sound business judgment and the ability to balance employee, legal, and risk considerations.

• Ability to know when to escalate matters or seek input prior to taking action or making recommendations

• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to influence leaders and navigate difficult conversations.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and create order in a fractional or consulting environment.

Preferred

• Experience supporting multiple clients or business units in a consulting, outsourced HR, or high-growth environment.

• Experience working in a start-up environment.

• Experience building or improving HR infrastructure and scalable operating practices.

• Experience with HRIS implementation and reporting, including platforms such as Gusto, BambooHR, Greenhouse, or Ashby.

• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, or PHR; exposure to M&A, carve-outs, or venture-backed businesses is a plus.

Application Timeline and Details

We anticipate the selection window for this opening will close on: October 9th, 2026. Submission does not guarantee selection, and LaunchWell reserves the right to modify or close the selection process at any time.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be retained for future consideration.

Security Notice

To ensure applicant safety, LaunchWell only communicates via official corporate emails or through verified hiring personnel. At no stage in our recruitment process will we ever solicit financial data or payments from you.

Benefits & Disclaimers

This is a flexible remote contract role with competitive hourly or retainer rates.

Equal Opportunity Statement

LaunchWell celebrates diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable laws, including the California Fair Chance Act.

ADA Accommodation Statement

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the selection process, please let us know.