Head of Global HR Operations

D-Wave•Burnaby, BC

About The Position

The Head of Global HR Operations will lead the evolution of the Company's global HR operating model, ensuring HR operations, technology, governance, and service delivery scale effectively as the business grows globally. Building on a strong foundation, this leader will modernize HR through technology, process simplification, strong governance, and operational excellence, delivering a seamless employee experience across the global workforce. As a member of the HR Leadership Team, you will partner closely with HR, Finance, Legal, IT, Payroll, and business leaders to align HR operations, technology, and service delivery with enterprise priorities. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic thinking and execution. The successful candidate will be an experienced builder who has led HR operations at scale and can pragmatically implement leading practices in a lean, high-growth environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred.
12+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years leading global HR Operations, HR technology, HRIS, or shared services in complex multinational organizations.
Proven success building and scaling global HR operating models and transforming HR service delivery in high-growth environments.
Deep expertise in global HR operations, compliance, governance, workforce administration, data privacy, and HR technology.
Demonstrated experience leading HR technology strategy, HRIS modernization, automation, AI, and digital transformation initiatives.
Experience leading global teams and supporting employees across multiple countries and employment models.
Strong executive partnership and influence across HR, IT, Finance, Legal, Payroll, and business leaders.
Experience managing enterprise HR technology portfolios, strategic vendors, and operational budgets.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting global expansion, acquisitions, organizational change, or business transformation is preferred.
Experience in technology, software, deep tech, or other high-growth global organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Advance the Global HR Operating Model: Define and execute the global HR Operations strategy aligned with business priorities. Evolve the HR operating model, governance, and service delivery to support a growing global workforce. Lead operational readiness for global expansion, acquisitions, reorganizations, and other strategic initiatives. Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and operational excellence across HR.
Lead HR Technology & Operations: Own the roadmap for the HR technology ecosystem, including HRIS and supporting platforms. Drive automation, AI adoption, self-service, and process improvements that enhance efficiency and employee experience. Partner with IT, Finance, and Payroll to deliver integrated systems, reliable people data, and actionable analytics. Ensure strong governance of HR systems, employee data, reporting, security, and compliance.
Deliver Exceptional Employee Services: Lead global employee lifecycle operations, including onboarding, internal mobility, immigration, leaves, relocations, and offboarding. Standardize global processes while ensuring compliance with local employment requirements. Continuously improve HR service delivery for employees and managers.
Strengthen Governance & Enterprise Execution: Ensure compliant HR operations globally through strong partnerships with Legal, Finance, Payroll, IT, Security, and external providers. Maintain audit readiness, operational controls, and oversight of HR data and transactions. Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness and champion the responsible use of AI across HR.
Build a High-Performing Team: Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing global HR Operations team. Establish clear priorities, service standards, metrics, and accountability. Balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution to deliver measurable business outcomes.