Director, People Operations & Systems

About the Client

The organization operates within the human resources and technology sector, focusing on building efficient, AI-enabled People functions. It addresses challenges related to managing people systems, data integrity, payroll governance, and employee lifecycle operations by integrating AI, automation, and self-service into HR workflows. The organization aims to evolve legacy systems into a modern HR technology environment that enhances operational accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

About the Opportunity

The DIRECTOR, PEOPLE OPERATIONS & SYSTEMS leads the development and management of the People systems ecosystem to support accurate, efficient, and scalable HR operations. This role is crucial in transforming existing processes and systems into a modernized, automated environment that reduces manual workload while improving controls and the employee experience. The position partners with various internal teams to ensure robust payroll governance, data quality, and operational compliance, ultimately driving continuous improvement through AI and automation.

Responsibilities

• Own the People technology ecosystem and roadmap including HRIS architecture, governance, and integrations.
• Lead HRIS modernization efforts, managing requirements, data migration, configuration, testing, training, and rollout.
• Ensure scalable workflows, controls, self-service options, and reliable data within People systems.
• Partner with IT and Security on system integrations, access controls, and audits.
• Maintain integrity and governance of People data and reporting structures.
• Build data-quality controls and develop dashboards for workforce insights.
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, controls, and audit readiness.
• Manage the payroll team member responsible for daily payroll execution.
• Establish review and escalation mechanisms for payroll and finance collaboration.
• Redesign payroll workflows to focus on governance and continuous improvement.
• Manage operational infrastructure for employee lifecycle processes and compliance.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, Legal, Security, Talent, and People Business Partners on process handoffs and decision rights.
• Lead Benefits & Compliance functions, maintaining vendor partnerships and audit readiness.
• Coach team members on roles, controls, and service expectations.
• Drive AI-enabled transformation to automate and redesign workflows, focusing on capacity, speed, accuracy, control, and experience improvements.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing People operations, HR systems, and payroll functions.
• Strong judgment in HR technology and payroll governance.
• Ability to lead complex system implementations and process redesign.
• Knowledge of workforce data integrity, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Experience partnering with cross-functional teams including Finance, IT, Legal, and Security.
• Capacity to build scalable, automated workflows using AI and automation tools.