Deputy Director, People Global Operations

Gates Foundation•Seattle, WA

2d•$212,800 - $329,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Director, People Global Operations leads delivery and continuous improvement of core People operations and services across the foundation’s global workforce. The role is accountable for efficient, consistent, compliant, and responsive HR processes, systems, and services. It leads a team responsible for employee lifecycle processes, HR systems administration, compensation operations, recruiting operations, and service delivery, while partnering with People leadership, IT, Legal, and regional partners to strengthen operational effectiveness and the employee experience. The role modernizes People operations by simplifying processes, strengthening systems, and responsibly using automation and emerging technologies, including AI. Through data-informed decisions and change management, the Deputy Director builds a scalable and sustainable operating model that supports the foundation’s global mission. The position is based in Seattle, Washington.

Requirements

10+ years of relevant professional experience, including leading teams and delivering complex operational improvements or large-scale change.
Demonstrated leadership of HR operations, shared services, HR technology-enabled service delivery, or related enterprise functions.
Experience working with senior leaders to evaluate options, communicate risks and tradeoffs, and support consequential decisions.
Demonstrated success improving processes and implementing technology-enabled solutions, including automation.
Strong understanding of HR operations, compliance considerations, and how systems, policies, and employee experiences intersect across geographies.
Excellent strategic problem-solving, analytical, program leadership, and change management skills, with the ability to prioritize resources and measure results.
Ability to build trusted relationships and lead effectively across functions, cultures, and organizational levels.
Demonstrated adaptability and versatility in fast-changing environments, including guiding a team through ambiguity, resetting priorities when needed, and keeping people energized and focused on outcomes.
Unrestricted work authorization in the country where the position is located; the foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Global or multi-location experience is strongly valued.
Familiarity with Workday and Zendesk or comparable enterprise systems is preferred.
Experience evaluating AI use cases and responsible adoption is valued.

Responsibilities

Lead global People operations across employee lifecycle transactions, HRIS administration, compensation operations, recruiting operations, and related services, ensuring quality, timeliness, and clear accountability.
Establish service standards, service-level agreements, performance indicators, and continuous improvement practices; use operational insights and employee feedback to improve service delivery.
Ensure People policies, procedures, controls, and operational documentation remain current and are implemented consistently, in partnership with Legal and relevant regional and functional experts.
Oversee recruiting operations processes and enabling technology, including consistent workflows, platform enhancements, and vendor relationships.
Set priorities for People operations modernization, identifying and implementing process improvements, automation, and appropriate AI-enabled solutions with measurable outcomes.
Partner with IT, security, privacy, and governance stakeholders to evaluate technologies and ensure responsible use of AI and employee data.
Lead cross-functional initiatives and change management across global locations, balancing common standards with local regulatory and operational needs.
Advise People and organizational leaders on operational risks, tradeoffs, resources, and decisions; anticipate downstream effects across interconnected People processes.
Lead, develop, and coach the team; set expectations, manage capacity, address escalated issues, and foster inclusive collaboration and accountability.
Oversee implementation and adoption of improvements, monitoring results and adjusting approaches to sustain service quality and organizational impact.