Director of People Operations

The Director of People Operations is a strategic and influential leader who shapes the employee experience while driving people initiatives that support business growth and success. This role partners closely with senior leadership to align HR strategies with organizational objectives, lead a high-performing People Operations team, and foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and inclusion. The Director oversees key functions including talent management, employee relations, benefits administration, and HR compliance, serving as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by enhancing people programs, optimizing processes, and helping employees and the business thrive.
Location:
Hybrid: Three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) in-office in Long Beach, CA
Remote work from home on Mondays and Fridays
About the Role - Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Partnership
Partner directly with the VP of People to align operational workflows, culture initiatives, and organizational growth strategies with broader business objectives
Utilize AI-driven analytics and workforce tools to evaluate HR metrics, predict retention trends, and present actionable data to the VP of People and executive leadership
In partnership with the VP of People, coach and advise leaders on performance enablement, team dynamics, and organizational design
Oversee performance management frameworks, employee engagement initiatives, career architecture, and succession planning
Lead high-impact People initiatives and cross-functional projects as directed by the VP of People and CFO
Benefits & People Operations
Oversee end-to-end benefits strategy and administration: including open enrollment, broker management, total rewards, wellness initiatives, and FMLA/leave monitoring
Manage, mentor, and build a high-performing People Operations team onboarding, benefits support, and general administration
Oversee new-hire onboarding programs, retention efforts, and exit interview analytics to drive continuous improvement
Manage complex employee relations issues with empathy and discretion, partnering with the VP of People and legal counsel as necessary
Compliance, Systems & Safety
Maintain deep knowledge and oversight of federal, state, and local employment laws (including ADA, COBRA, EEO, FLSA, and FMLA)
Develop, maintain, and interpret company-wide policies, employee handbooks, and immigration sponsorship programs in alignment with corporate standards
Own, optimize, and scale the company's HRIS ecosystem, integrating modern software tools to deliver real-time reporting and administrative efficiency
Oversee company safety protocols and the Illness & Injury Prevention Program (IIPP)
About You - Essential Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
10+ years in an HR leadership role at a mid-sized company
SHRM, SPHR or PHR certification desired
Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and scaling a People Operations team
Proven ability to work closely with executive leadership to execute company-wide talent strategies
Hands-on experience using HR tech, modern HRIS platforms, and AI-driven or advanced analytical tools to optimize workforce planning and operations
In-depth knowledge of health and welfare plan administration, leave policies (FMLA/ADA), and total rewards strategies
Strong command of federal and state employment regulations, compliance frameworks, and immigration programs
Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and active listening skills, with high ethical standards and absolute discretion
The salary range varies, and pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, certifications (if applicable), candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills and years of experience amongst other factors.
$160,000 - $200,000 per year
Perks & Benefits at a Glance
Generous time off:
15 Days of Vacation
3 Floating Holidays