Associate Director, HR Site Lead & Business Partner, SLC

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the largest medical challenges of our time. Denali Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through our deep commitment to degeneration biology and principles of translational medicine. Denali is founded on the collaboration of leading scientists, industry experts, and investors who share the vision that scientific discovery energetically applied to translational medicine is the key to delivering effective therapies to patients.

We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.

This Salt Lake City (SLC)-based role partners with the Manufacturing site to execute the Human Resource strategy aligned to the company's goals and objectives, working with SLC leaders, managers, and employees to provide guidance and operational support regarding talent acquisition, organizational development and growth planning, and employee relations. Partners closely with front-line and mid-level leaders to resolve employee concerns, reduce risk, and promote a consistent and fair approach to people management. Applies deep expertise in investigations, coaching, and policy interpretation to support day-to-day operations. Contributes insights from casework to improve practices and manager capability over time.

Key Accountabilities/Core Job Responsibilities:

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Manage employee relations cases, including performance issues, policy violations, and workplace conflicts; conduct thorough investigations and recommend appropriate outcomes
• Coach and advise managers on performance management, corrective action, and employee communication to improve individual and team effectiveness
• Partner with site leadership to address employee concerns while balancing operational needs, consistency, and risk mitigation

• Coach and influence front-line and mid-level leaders on performance management, corrective action, and employee communication to drive accountability and team effectiveness
• Enable managers to address performance issues proactively and effectively, improving overall workforce capability and reducing escalation

• Consult with and advise SLC leaders on people and organizational needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, supporting workforce planning, team effectiveness, and employee engagement
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to support hiring needs, including workforce planning input, interview participation, candidate assessment, and refinement of job descriptions

• Support onboarding and orientation processes to deliver a high-quality employee experience and accelerate integration into the organization
• Provide input into learning and development opportunities based on observed capability gaps and employee relations trends

• Manage contingent workforce processes, including vendor coordination, contract administration, and onboarding/offboarding, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements
• Utilize HR systems and data to maintain accurate records, support audits, and identify trends that inform decision-making and continuous improvement

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including employee relations in a manufacturing or similar operational environment (or Master's degree with 10+ years of experience)
• Experience in a biotech or life sciences manufacturing environment is highly preferred
• Relevant HR certification (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) is preferred
• Expertise in investigations, performance management, and conflict resolution
• Experience managing high-volume, complex casework with strong attention to detail and documentation
• Strong coaching skills with the ability to influence front-line and mid-level leaders
• Solid knowledge of employment law and HR policies, with the ability to apply them in practical settings
• Ability to assess risk and make sound, timely decisions in ambiguous situations