Director of Human Resources
Redwood City
People – Human Resources /
Full-Time /
Hybrid
Zilliz is a fast-growing startup developing the industry’s leading vector database company for enterprise-grade AI. Founded by the engineers behind Milvus, the world’s most popular open-source vector database, the company builds next-generation database technologies to help organizations quickly create AI applications. On a mission to democratize AI, Zilliz is committed to simplifying data management for AI applications and making vector databases accessible to every organization.
What you will do:
- Strategic Talent Expansion & Regional Development
- Develop and execute comprehensive talent strategies for North American and European markets to support aggressive business growth in key regions
- Lead recruiting teams in establishing diversified talent acquisition channels and building a globally competitive employer brand
- Continuously optimize recruitment strategies based on business needs and market insights, ensuring timely fulfillment of critical roles with exceptional quality standards
- Senior Business Partnership & Strategic Advisory
- Serve as a trusted business partner to the CEO and leadership team, providing strategic HR perspective through consultative approach
- Actively participate in major business decision-making processes, leveraging data-driven methodologies to inform organizational development strategies
- Proactively identify and resolve people-related challenges that impact business objectives, driving organizational effectiveness and performance
- Organizational System Optimization & Scalable Infrastructure
- Systematically diagnose and optimize critical HR process touchpoints based on existing operational frameworks
- Build highly scalable human resources management systems that maintain operational excellence during rapid growth phases
- Design and implement standardized HR operational processes to support efficient collaboration across global teams
- Culture Evolution & Innovation
- Deeply understand and champion Zilliz's core values, ensuring effective cultural integration across diverse, multinational teams
- Design culture-building initiatives and employee experience enhancement programs to strengthen team cohesion and organizational commitment
- Establish cultural assessment and feedback mechanisms to continuously optimize organizational culture and workplace environment
What we are looking for:
- Experience & Expertise
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience with hands-on expertise across multiple HR functions (talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation & benefits, organizational development, employee lifecycle management, etc.)
- Demonstrated systems-level understanding of HR business operations and their strategic impact on organizational success
- Proven track record of leading teams through periods of rapid growth and organizational scaling
- Organizational Background
- Experience in mature, established organizations with sophisticated HR practices and governance structures
- Startup or high-growth company experience is a strong plus, particularly in navigating ambiguity and building HR infrastructure from the ground up
- Background in technology or SaaS companies preferred, with understanding of global talent markets
- Leadership & Mindset
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability with a demonstrable "can-do" attitude and results-oriented approach
- Pragmatic leader who balances strategic vision with operational execution—hands-on approach with strategic perspective
- Proven ability to roll up sleeves and tackle hands-on work while maintaining strategic oversight
- Adaptability & Performance
- Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments with comfort in ambiguity and rapid change
- Excellent cross-cultural communication skills with experience managing geographically distributed teams
- Resilient problem-solver who can pivot quickly while maintaining quality and team morale
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation (cash + equity)
- Regular bonus and equity refresh opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Unlimited paid time off
- Generous 401(k) and regional retirement plans
$180,000 - $230,000 a year
Zilliz is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, physical disability, or length of time spent unemployed.
