At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Director, Total Rewards & People Operations, reporting to the SVP, People, to lead the development, implementation, and management of our total rewards strategy, including compensation, benefits, and employee recognition programs. This leader will also oversee the People Operations team, ensuring efficient processes and compliance across HR activities, and leading people analytics to influence data-driven decisions that support Vast to achieve its business goals and support employees’ needs. This role requires a strategic leader with deep expertise in compensation and benefits, a strong understanding of HR process, operations, and systems, a collaborative and customer-centric partnership mentality, and an appreciation for data integrity and analyses.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
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Total Rewards Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive total rewards strategy that supports organizational objectives and attracts, retains, and motivates top talent
- Oversee the design and implementation of compensation structures, including base salary, variable pay (if applicable), and short/long-term incentive programs
- Lead benefits strategy, including health and wellness programs, 401(k) plans, and other employee benefits
- Ensure that reward programs are competitive and aligned with market trends and regulatory requirements
- Drive transparency and education of Vast’s total rewards program with managers and employees alike
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People Operations
- Manage HR operations to ensure effective administration of HR programs and services, including HRIS management, employee records, and compliance
- Optimize HR processes and systems to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness
- Collaborate with HR business partners and leaders to support HR initiatives and address operational challenges
- Partner effectively with key vendors to drive cost, process, and time efficiencies for HR processes and systems
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People Analytics
- Define Vast’s HR reporting, metrics, governance, analytics, and data integrity efforts, leveraging data analytics platforms to present data accurately and intuitively
- Lead on HR reporting, metrics, governance, analytics, and data integrity, utilizing a variety of data analytics platforms to present data clearly and accurately in a user-friendly format
- Support leadership by providing critical interpretation of data, leading with innovative analysis and communication of information and insights
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Leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of HR professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence
- Drive cross-functional projects and initiatives to support the HR function and organizational goals
- Provide guidance and support to senior leadership and C-Suite members on total rewards and HR operations matters
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Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
- Develop and deliver regular reports and metrics on compensation, benefits, and HR operations to senior leadership and stakeholders
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Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with external vendors and consultants to benchmark compensation and benefits, and to stay abreast of industry best practices
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on total rewards and HR operations strategy and execution
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in total rewards and HR operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Deep knowledge of compensation and benefits principles, practices, and regulatory requirements
- Strong experience with HRIS systems and HR operations management. Workday and/or Rippling preferred
- Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives and manage complex projects
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to navigate a fast-paced and evolving business environment
- Strong business acumen and a strategic mindset
- Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestone
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by
22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
