Executive Director, People Operations

About the role

The People Operations Lead will serve as the operational leader of the People organization, responsible for translating enterprise people strategy into executable programs that drive organizational effectiveness, scalability, and business impact. Partnering closely with the Chief People Officer and People leadership team, this role will drive the execution of the firm’s people strategy, optimize service delivery, and modernize People operations through data, technology, and transformation initiatives. Finally, this role will enable the People organization to operate with rigor and consistency while positioning the firm for growth, transformation, and IPO readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Execution of the People Strategy
  Operationalize the People Strategy set by the CPO, translating strategic priorities into actionable programs and initiatives
  Partner with People leadership and business leaders to align talent strategy with growth objectives and financial goals
  Confirm alignment between People, Corporate Strategy, and VCP initiatives to drive enterprise impact
  Lead execution of IPO-related People initiatives, including workforce strategy, governance, and readiness activities
  Serve as a strategic advisor to the CPO and executive leadership on organizational effectiveness and workforce strategy

• Drive Operational Excellence Across the People Organization
  Lead the day-to-day operations of the People organization, driving efficiency, consistency, and scalability across segments and geographies
  Design and optimize HR operating models, service delivery frameworks, and core People processes
  Lead workforce change initiatives, including restructuring, transformation, and M&A integration support
  Build and lead a high-performing People Operations function with strong program management, execution rigor, and accountability

• Support executive leadership and Board readiness through talent reporting, workforce insights, and leadership transition support

• Transform People Operations Through Data, Technology & Innovation
  Partner with the CIO and technology teams to implement and optimize HR technology platforms, including HRIS and workforce analytics tools
  Drive the integration of AI, automation, and digital solutions to modernize HR processes and improve service delivery
  Lead workforce analytics and reporting, developing dashboards and insights to inform decision-making (e.g., QBRs, MBRs)
  Use data to identify workforce trends, risks, and opportunities, enabling proactive management of talent and organizational health
  Drive continuous improvement across People processes through technology, data, and operational innovation
  Establish scalable infrastructure and processes to support a growing, global, and increasingly complex organization

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in HR, People Strategy, or organizational leadership roles
• Proven experience leading large-scale People operations, transformation, or enterprise HR functions
• Strong expertise in organizational design, workforce strategy, and enterprise transformation
• Deep experience in process optimization, service delivery models, and HR operating model design
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence C-suite and Board-level stakeholders
• Experience in workforce analytics, data-driven decision-making, and HR dashboard development
• Expertise in HR technology, including HRIS platforms, automation, and AI-enabled solutions
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and change management leadership capabilities
• Understanding of the business drivers behind workforce and organizational strategy

Qualifications

• Experience in professional services, consulting, or similar high-growth environments
• Background supporting IPO readiness, large-scale transformation, or private equity-backed organizations
• Experience supporting remote and hybrid workforce models at scale
• Advanced certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CCMP, PMP)
• Experience aligning People operations with enterprise transformation and value creation initiatives

Skills

• Experience in professional services, consulting, or similar high-growth environments
• Background supporting IPO readiness, large-scale transformation, or private equity-backed organizations
• Experience supporting remote and hybrid workforce models at scale
• Advanced certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CCMP, PMP)
• Experience aligning People operations with enterprise transformation and value creation initiatives

Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $255,000.00-$435,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $255,000.00-$435,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Schedule

This is a hybrid position and candidates must be located within 50 miles of a Guidehouse office. Preferred locations are in the greater Washington, DC, Chicago, IL, and San Antonio, TX areas.