People Operations Lead

About the Company

Arena is the platform for evaluating how AI models perform in the real world. Founded by researchers from UC Berkeley's SkyLab, we're on a mission to measure and advance the frontier of AI for real-world use.

Responsibilities

• Build and evolve foundational programs including onboarding, performance management, compensation, and career development
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on team effectiveness, organizational design, and employee relations
• Create lightweight systems and processes that improve consistency while preserving speed and flexibility
• Drive initiatives that strengthen engagement, communication, and team health
• Ensure fundamentals are operating smoothly, from policies and documentation to compliance
• Partner with leadership on headcount planning and organizational structure
• Identify and address people infrastructure gaps before they become bottlenecks

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience building People programs in early-stage or high-growth environments
• Strong HR business partnering skills
• Ability to translate business goals into practical people strategies
• Sound judgment in navigating sensitive employee situations
• Builder's mindset with experience creating systems from scratch
• Comfort operating in ambiguity
• Practical approach to People Operations focused on outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with modern AI tools
• Curiosity about how technology can improve internal workflows