Human Resources Manager

Location: Austin, TX

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Type: Full Time

About HydroGraph

HydroGraph is a hyper-growth advanced materials company scaling pristine, high-performance graphene via its patented Hyperion detonation technology. With more than 70 active commercial projects, a growing global footprint, and industry-leading material quality (99.8% pure graphene), HydroGraph is building the next generation of engineered materials for coatings, composites, and energy storage. Our new Austin HQ will serve as the flagship center for innovation, applied R&D, customer engagement, and rapid material development.

Role Overview

HydroGraph is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to support its US and UK employee base. This is the organization's primary people leader and responsible for supporting the business leaders and managing all HR programs, policies, and processes. This role owns the full employee lifecycle-from talent acquisition and onboarding to compensation, benefits, compliance, and HR technology. The HR Manager will be responsible for Talent Acquisition, Compensation and Benefit programs, all employment policies and practices, as well as the HR technology used to support the function and its programs.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for all roles, including sourcing, screening, interviewing, and offer management.
• Build and maintain a structured hiring process, including job descriptions, interview guides, and candidate evaluation tools.
• Partner with hiring managers to forecast staffing needs and develop recruiting strategies.
• Manage employer branding, job postings, and candidate communication.

• With direction from Sr Leadership, develop, maintain, and update all HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues, investigations, and policy interpretation.
• Implement consistent, fair, and legally compliant HR practices across the organization.

• Own the HR technology platform (HRIS/ATS), ensuring accurate data, system optimization, and user adoption.
• Generate HR metrics and dashboards to support decision-making (turnover, hiring metrics, headcount, etc.).
• Identify opportunities to automate workflows and improve HR operational efficiency.

• In partnership with Sr Leader, support the design and administer compensation structures, salary bands, and job leveling frameworks.
• Manage annual compensation reviews, merit cycles, and market benchmarking.
• Oversee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and wellness initiatives.
• Partner with finance and leadership to ensure competitive and sustainable total rewards offerings.

• Lead onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure consistent, high-quality employee experience.
• Support managers with performance management, coaching, and employee development tools.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned with organizational values.
• Coordinate employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and internal communications.

• Maintain employee records and ensure data integrity.
• Manage HR compliance documentation, audits, and reporting.
• Serve as the primary HR advisor to employees and managers.
• Support organizational planning, restructuring, and change management efforts.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a generalist or HR-manager role.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Experience managing recruiting, compensation, benefits, and HR systems.
• Ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and build scalable processes.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• HR certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) preferred but not required.

• Lead the core scientific engine of one of the fastest-growing graphene companies in the world.
• Shape a next-generation materials platform used across aerospace, energy, infrastructure, consumer goods, and defense.
• Work directly with global partners and world-class advisors (GEIC, OEMs, DoD).
• Competitive compensation, equity participation, and career advancement as the company scales.