Bitwarden is the trusted identity security leader for millions of users worldwide, empowering enterprises, developers, and individuals to securely manage and share sensitive information anywhere. Bitwarden makes it easy for all users to extend robust security across their devices with password management, secrets management, and passwordless and passkey innovations. The company is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California with team members located across the globe. Learn more at bitwarden.com.
Reporting to the CFO, the Vice President of Human Resources will serve as the primary architect of our people infrastructure during a period of significant organizational growth. This leader will own the full employee lifecycle — from talent acquisition strategy to performance management, total rewards, and culture — ensuring the company can recruit, develop, and retain the talent. This is a builder's role requiring both strategic vision and hands-on execution.
This is an all remote team and we're looking for someone located in the U.S., preferably Eastern time zone. We do not offer visa sponsorship at this time.
RESPONSIBILITIES
HR Team Leadership & Development
- Build, manage, and develop HR team members
- Set clear goals, priorities, and operating rhythms for the HR function; hold the team accountable to measurable outcomes and service-level expectations.
- Serve as a player-coach — willing to be hands-on across all HR disciplines while developing existing HR team members
- Partner with Finance to manage the HR department budget, including headcount, systems, and program spend; identify efficiency opportunities as the function scales.
Employee Relations
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex, sensitive, or high-risk employee relations matters including misconduct allegations, harassment complaints, and performance disputes.
- Advise managers and executives on handling performance issues, disciplinary actions, and involuntary separations in a manner that is legally sound and consistent with company values.
- Partner closely with Legal/General Counsel on matters that carry litigation risk, regulatory exposure, or require formal legal guidance.
Performance Management & Culture
- Implement a scalable performance review process tied to company objectives; coach people managers on giving effective feedback.
- Serve as a cultural steward — design and champion employee engagement surveys and action planning.
- Develop manager capability through structured training programs, leadership development, and coaching.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
- Design and execute a scalable recruiting engine to support headcount growth from ~[X] to ~[2X] employees over 24 months.
- Build and manage relationships with executive search firms, recruiting agencies, and sourcing partners.
- Partner with Finance and department heads on annual workforce planning, headcount modeling, and hiring ROI analysis.
- Establish employer brand initiatives to position [Company] as a destination employer in competitive talent markets.
HR Operations & Compliance
- Own HR systems (HRIS, ATS, performance management platforms) — evaluate systems , configure, implement, and optimize as the company scales.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws; maintain and update employee handbook, policies, and procedures.
- Oversee onboarding programs that accelerate time-to-productivity and reinforce cultural values from day one.
- Manage employee relations matters with sound judgment; escalate appropriately and document thoroughly.
Total Rewards & Compensation
- Partner with the CFO and leadership team to design and administer competitive compensation and equity programs benchmarked to market.
- Lead annual compensation review cycles, bonus program administration, and benefits renewals.
- Build transparent compensation bands and career frameworks that support internal equity and career development.
WHAT YOU BRING TO BITWARDEN
- 8–12 years of progressive HR experience; 3+ years in a director-level, VP or senior HR business partner role.
- Prior experience in a high-growth technology or SaaS company strongly preferred; experience scaling through a growth
- Prior experience at PE and/or VC-backed SaaS companies is strongly preferred
- Demonstrated success building HR infrastructure (systems, processes, policies) from the ground up or in a high-change environment.
- Deep knowledge of employment law, compensation practices, and benefits administration.
- Strong business acumen; comfortable working cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, and the executive team.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; high EQ with the ability to build trust at all levels of the organization.
- Bachelor's degree required; HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
A FEW REASONS TO WORK WITH US
- Our user community loves us and we love them. Come to work each day with a sense of purpose as we bring a more secure internet experience to everyone from our friends and family to the world’s largest organizations.
- Become an expert. You’ll get immersed in the prominent technology markets of security and open source software.
- We are dedicated to building a diverse and talented team. Work remotely with motivated and supportive team members across the world.
- Learn and grow. Take on new challenges with the support of your team, and join our #growth-club to continue personal and professional development.
