Director, People Operations

SPINS•Chicago, IL

2d•$175,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of People Operations leads the team responsible for operating the company’s core people systems and employee lifecycle processes. This role ensures People Ops programs run consistently and reliably across a workforce of 500+ employees located across the United States, Europe, LATAM and APAC. The Director leads the People Operations team overseeing recruiting operations, HRIS administration, payroll coordination, and employee relations. The role is responsible for ensuring people systems operate smoothly while helping leaders navigate complex employee situations with sound judgment and practical solutions. The Director will transition People Operations toward an AI-first operating model by modernizing workflows, embedding automation, and operationalizing AI-enabled tools to reduce manual effort and enhance accuracy. This position partners with leaders at all levels and internal G&A functions to maintain operational excellence. The role is a coach in supporting leaders in managing their teams effectively.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in People Operations or People Ops leadership roles
Demonstrated hands-on experience leading a small People Operations team in high ambiguity organizations with 500+ employees.
Strong experience navigating employee relations issues and workplace investigations
Experience managing People Ops teams and employee lifecycle processes
Expertise with HRIS platforms such as Paylocity, Deel, or comparable systems
Hands on experience implementing technology-enabled or AI supported HR processes, including workflow automation, AI based tools (e.g. Microsoft Copilot), or process redesign.
Experience administering performance and compensation cycles
Experience providing HR business partner support to leaders, including performance coaching, organizational planning, and guiding teams through change
Strong judgment, problem-solving, and communication skills
PHR or SPHR certification

Responsibilities

Lead the People Operations Team
Ensure consistent execution of People Ops programs and processes
Maintain operational standards across recruiting, onboarding, and employee lifecycle activities
Provide trusted operational support to leaders across the organization
Provide HR business partner support to functional leaders, offering guidance on team structure, performance management, workforce planning and organizational effectiveness
Navigate Employee Relations Issues
Lead and support employee relations matters and workplace investigations
Partner with leaders to address team challenges, performance concerns, and workplace conflicts
Ensure People Ops policies are applied consistently and fairly
Partner with Legal when needed on sensitive or complex situations
Operate People Systems and Payroll Coordination
Manage People Ops technology platforms including Paylocity (HRIS and payroll) and Deel
Operationalize AI-driven tools and automation to improve efficiency, streamline processes and elevate data accuracy and insights.
Oversee payroll coordination in partnership with Finance / Accounting
Maintain vendor relationships supporting People Ops systems and benefits
Administer Core Talent Processes
Run and continuously improve annual performance rand compensation review cycles
Execute promotion and salary adjustment processes
Support Workforce Planning
Maintain headcount and workforce reporting
Support Finance / Accounting with workforce data requests
Ensure people data across systems remains accurate and accessible

Benefits

We embrace hybrid work options so that you have the flexibility to create a work/life balance that actually works!
Each employee is allotted paid time to use to volunteer with an organization of their choice and charitable donations are matched.
Semi-annual company-wide employee survey that is used to shape company programs, perks, and culture.

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