Sr. Director, HR Ops & Total Rewards

About the role

For our client, we are seeking a Sr. Director HR Ops & Total Rewards to join the team of a leader in the Enterprise Technology space. This role will own compensation, benefits, and rewards programs that help attract, retain, and motivate talent at scale. You will partner with global leaders, HR centers of excellence, and functional stakeholders to create consistent practices across teams and regions. The position offers the opportunity to strengthen pay practices, improve program governance, and create more consistent outcomes across the organization within a technology-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Champion AI-native HR operations and total rewards, implementing AI-enabled tools to reduce manual work and enhance self-service for employees
• Collaborate with tech teams to incorporate AI into HRIS workflows and compliance processes using tools like Workday and Ashby
• Define and execute global Total Rewards strategy, ensuring competitiveness and alignment with company growth
• Oversee benefits strategy and vendor management for a self-insured environment, facilitating self-service experiences for employees
• Maintain deep operational knowledge of Workday for managing benefits and compensation processes
• Lead the entire compensation lifecycle, from meriting planning to executive compensation review
• Ensure HR compliance across policies, training, and legal requirements while supporting Talent Acquisition operations

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience in compensation design, HR operations, HR systems, or total rewards strategy
• Proven leadership skills in compensation programs and managing annual review cycles
• Strong experience with HRIS platforms, specifically Workday, with capability to define business needs and partner with IT/Engineering
• Ability to deliver workforce analytics and reporting to senior audiences effectively
• In-depth knowledge of multi-state HR compliance including EEO and FLSA regulations
• Hands-on experience with AI tools in an HR context, demonstrating not just awareness but deployment experience
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent work experience

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare options for individuals and families
• Flexible vacation policy and paid company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave, wellness stipends, and HSA contributions
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Collaborative office environment with weekly catered lunches

Location: Chicago, IL - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available

Compensation: $240,000 – $275,000 annually