Director - HR Business Partner

Job description

Company Description

Organizations everywhere struggle under the crushing costs and complexities of “solutions” that promise to simplify their lives. To create a better experience for their customers and employees. To help them grow. Software is a choice that can make or break a business. Create better or worse experiences. Propel or throttle growth. Business software has become a blocker instead of ways to get work done.

There’s another option. Freshworks. With a fresh vision for how the world works.

At Freshworks, we build uncomplicated service software that delivers exceptional customer and employee experiences. Our enterprise-grade solutions are powerful, yet easy to use, and quick to deliver results. Our people-first approach to AI eliminates friction, making employees more effective and organizations more productive. Over 72,000 companies, including Bridgestone, New Balance, Nucor, S&P Global, and Sony Music, trust Freshworks’ customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX) software to fuel customer loyalty and service efficiency. And, over 4,500 Freshworks employees make this possible, all around the world.

Fresh vision. Real impact. Come build it with us.

Job Description

We are seeking a Director HR Business Partner to join our team in San Mateo, supporting leaders and people managers in the US, Europe, India and the rest of the world. This is a high- impact, standalone individual contributor role where you’ll partner closely with senior business leaders, drive strategic people initiatives, and contribute to the growth of a global SaaS business.

Reporting to the Senior Director of HR (based in London), you’ll collaborate with HR colleagues across Europe, the US, and India, and be a key contributor to global HR programs. The role involves some travel within Europe to support business needs and foster regional alignment. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in a dynamic, high-growth, and international environment. You will work with a diverse and experienced HR team, supporting a fast-scaling business with strong leadership engagement and a clear people strategy.

Please note: This is a hybrid role that will be based in San Mateo, CA and requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday).

Strategic HR Leadership

• Partner with Field Sales and GTM leaders based in the US and Europe to develop and implement impactful people strategies.
• Provide strategic guidance on organization design, workforce planning, and team effectiveness.
• Act as a coach and trusted advisor to senior-level leaders and people managers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, HR Operations and COEs to ensure seamless execution of people initiatives.
• Deliver and adapt global HR programs (e.g. performance, engagement, promotion, succession)

Change Management & Leadership Coaching

• Lead and support change initiatives related to organizational growth, restructuring, and team transformation.
• Provide hands-on support and coaching to leaders during periods of change and growth.

Data-Driven Insights

• Use data and analytics to inform decision-making, influence leadership thinking, and drive business outcomes.
• Identify and address regional trends with scalable HR solutions.

Global Collaboration

• Occasionally engage with HR peers and COEs in Europe and India to align on global initiatives and share best practices.
• Provide context and guidance to support cross-regional initiatives.

Qualifications

• 13+ years of Senior HR experience with Field Sales and GTM teams in a global SaaS or tech environment is a must-have.
• Deep understanding of HR practices and employment frameworks in North America.
• Exposure to global environments, including some familiarity with Europe and the APAC region, is required.
• Experience working in a matrixed, fast-paced, high-growth organisation.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong business acumen and strategic mindset.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and influence without authority.
• Skilled in leveraging HR data and insights to drive action.
• Excellent relationship-building, stakeholder management, and consulting skills.

Additional Information

Please note: This is a hybrid role that will be based in San Mateo, CA and requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday).

This role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and the expected base salary range for this position is as shown below. The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional background, training, work experience, business needs and market demand. Therefore, in some circumstances, the actual salary could fall outside of this expected range. This pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is also eligible for a target bonus.

Compensation Package

$212,900-$266,100 USD Base Salary

Freshworks offers multiple options for dental, medical, vision, disability and life insurances. Equity + ESPP, flexible PTO, flexible spending, commuter benefits and wellness benefits are also offered. Freshworks also offers adoption and parental leave benefits.

At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, communities and the business.