Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
The RoleWe are hiring a People Systems & Programs Lead to build and scale the operational foundation of our People function across recruiting, HR systems, onboarding, and employee operations.
This is a highly cross-functional role focused on designing efficient people processes, implementing scalable systems, and enabling exceptional employee and candidate experiences. You’ll partner closely with leadership, recruiting, finance, and operations teams to streamline workflows, improve data visibility, and help build a modern, automation-first People organization.
The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of recruiting operations, HR systems expertise, and process design experience, with the ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in execution. This role is ideal for someone excited about building infrastructure in a fast-moving, high-growth environment.
Own and improve People Operations processes across recruiting, onboarding, employee lifecycle management, and offboarding
Manage and optimize HRIS, ATS, and related People systems
Partner with recruiting teams to streamline hiring operations and candidate workflows
Build scalable reporting and dashboards for recruiting and people metrics
Drive process automation and operational efficiency across People functions
Ensure data integrity, compliance, and accurate employee records management
Support compensation, benefits, and headcount planning operations
Create documentation, workflows, and SOPs for People processes
Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, IT, and business leaders
Evaluate and implement new People tools and systems as the company scales
Improve employee and candidate experience through operational excellence and thoughtful systems design
Design, implement, and manage scalable people programs and operational initiatives across the employee lifecycle
Build and lead a high-performing People Operations team over time
7-10+ years of experience in People Operations, Recruiting Operations, HR Systems, or related functions
Strong experience managing HRIS and ATS platforms (e.g., Rippling, Workday, BambooHR, Ashby, Greenhouse, Lever)
Proven ability to build and scale People processes in high-growth or startup environments
Experience supporting both recruiting operations and broader HR operations
Strong analytical skills with experience building reports, dashboards, and operational metrics
High attention to detail with strong project management and organizational skills
Experience driving process improvements and workflow automation
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
Prior people management experience, including building or leading teams
Strong ownership mindset and comfort operating in ambiguous environments
Extreme Ownership – We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate – We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos – We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory



