About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Foster City, California, with over 35 years of innovation in tackling global health challenges. Renowned for curing hepatitis C, revolutionizing HIV treatment and prevention, and advancing therapies for viral and inflammatory diseases and certain cancers, Gilead continues to set bold ambitions. Our work in HIV has transformed lives through groundbreaking antivirals, while oncology programs deliver targeted cancer therapies. Inflammatory disease efforts address unmet needs in immunology. Every employee contributes to our mission of creating a healthier world for all, supported by a culture of collaboration, determination, and impact.

Role Overview

As Director, Employee Relations Partner at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California, you will serve as a global center of excellence within HR Strategy & Operations. Reporting to the Head of Employee Relations Americas, you will provide core ER support to assigned business functions. This role involves reviewing company-initiated separations, conducting investigations, managing disciplinary processes, and supporting performance improvements, reorganizations, and redundancies. You will partner with HR Business Partners and leaders to deliver data-driven insights, training, and strategic initiatives, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant handling of complex people issues. Based at our headquarters, this full-time position demands strategic judgment, innovation, and a commitment to employee experience.

Essential Duties & Impact

Your expertise will simplify complexity, navigate ambiguity, and provide clear recommendations attuned to diverse stakeholders. From high-risk terminations to disability accommodations, you will guide Gilead's employment risk management while contributing to ER service enhancements like process improvements and knowledge articles.

Key Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Offer subject matter expertise on ER issues including performance management, investigations, disciplinary actions, terminations, reorganizations, leaves, and accommodations.
• Conduct and supervise complex investigations, preparing factual summaries under senior leadership and Legal guidance.
• Approve separations, support performance improvement plans, and review severance eligibility.
• Advise on business changes like acquisitions, restructurings, and integrations.
• Leverage data and metrics to share ER trends, deliver training, and drive strategic projects.
• Maintain and interpret ER policies, enhancing processes and employee experience.
• Collaborate with HRBPs, managers, and senior leaders to manage risks and foster trust.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as Director, Employee Relations Partner, you need:

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in Employee Relations, preferably in biopharmaceuticals or life sciences.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. employment laws, HR compliance, and best practices for investigations and high-risk actions.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment in ambiguous, complex scenarios with organization-wide impact.
• Strong investigative skills, including fact-finding and summary preparation.
• Experience supporting restructurings, performance management, and policy development.
• Excellent communication to simplify complexity for varied audiences.
• Bachelor's degree required; JD, SHRM-CP/SCP, or advanced HR certification preferred.

Ideal candidates thrive in consultative environments, demonstrate ingenuity in unique challenges, and earn stakeholder confidence through open-minded, creative approaches.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences invests in your well-being and growth:

• Competitive base salary estimated at $230,000-$320,000, plus bonuses and equity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage with low premiums.
• 401(k) retirement savings with generous company match.
• Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, and family planning support.
• Professional development stipend, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and onsite fitness centers at Foster City HQ.
• Generous PTO, holidays, and volunteer time off.

Career Growth

At Gilead, people leaders are cornerstones of our culture. This Director role offers pathways to VP-level HR leadership, global ER strategy, or broader HR operations. Access mentorship, cross-functional projects, and exposure to innovative therapies in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Our commitment to development empowers you to evolve our inclusive culture where every employee feels developed and empowered.

Why Join Gilead

Join a team united against devastating diseases, from HIV breakthroughs to oncology advancements and inflammatory therapies. In Foster City, collaborate with top scientists and leaders driving life-changing innovations. Experience a premium workplace prioritizing fairness, respect, and bold ambitions. Be part of creating possible—improving patient lives globally while advancing your HR career in a purpose-driven environment.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role hybrid or onsite? Based in Foster City, CA headquarters with potential flexible options aligned to business needs.

Q: What ER experience is required? Advanced expertise in investigations, terminations, and compliance in regulated industries like biopharma.

Q: How does this role support Gilead's mission? By ensuring fair ER practices, enabling focus on HIV, cancer, and inflammatory disease innovations.

Q: What is the reporting structure? Reports to Head of Employee Relations Americas, partnering with HR and business leaders.

Q: Are there travel requirements? Minimal, primarily supporting Americas functions from HQ.