Director, People Operations
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. This role is based in Chicago, IL with a hybrid schedule of two in-office days per week.
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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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
