Director of People Operations

The Role: 

We are seeking a dynamic Director of People Operations who is a strategic and execution-focused leader responsible for building, optimizing, and scaling the operational infrastructure of the HR function. This role owns HR systems, data governance, compliance architecture, policy administration, and operational integration of acquisitions. This leader will design and implement best-in-class HR operational processes that drive efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, enable data-driven decision-making, and support rapid organizational growth.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and optimize the HRIS strategy, configuration, integrations, workflows, and system governance.
• Establish and maintain enterprise-wide HR data governance standards, including data integrity, security, audit protocols, and ownership accountability.
• Design and deliver executive-level HR analytics and reporting dashboards to support workforce planning, compensation strategy, turnover analysis, and compliance monitoring.
• Own HR compliance across federal, state, and localjurisdictions, including audits, regulatory filings, and risk mitigation practices.
• Oversee immigration processes and ensure compliance with visa and work authorization requirements.
• Architect, standardize, and operationalize HR policies across the organization, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and business strategy.
• Lead employee survey administration, data analysis, and action-planning infrastructure to drive engagement and retention.
• Oversee separation processes, including complex and executive-level separation agreements, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Support HR budget tracking, vendor management, and cost-efficiency initiatives within HR operations.
• Direct the HR operational integration of acquisitions, including system consolidation, data migration, compliance harmonization, and process standardization.
• Identify automation opportunities and eliminate manual processes to create measurable operational efficiencies.
• Develop and document scalable SOPs, workflows, and internal controls across all HR operational functions.
• Partner with IT, Finance, and Operations to ensure seamless system integrations and data alignment.
• Build and lead a high-performing HR Operations team as the organization scales.

Competencies: 

• Advanced knowledge of HRIS architecture, system configuration, integrations, and workflow automation.
• Deep understanding of HR data governance principles, including data integrity, privacy, retention, audit controls, and security standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory compliance requirements across multi-state environments.
• Expertisein HR operational best practices, process design, and internal control frameworks.
• Knowledge of M&A HR integration strategy, including system consolidation, data migration, and policy harmonization.
• Understanding of workforce analytics, KPI development, dashboard reporting, and executive-level data presentation.
• Knowledge of immigration compliance processes and employment authorization requirements.
• Understanding of compensation, benefits administration, and total rewards operational support structures.
• Familiarity with budget management, vendor oversight, and cost-control practices within HR operations.
• Strategic systems thinking with the ability to design scalable HR infrastructure in high-growth environments.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate complex workforce data into actionable insights.
• Strong project management skills, including leading cross-functional initiatives and system implementations.
• Process optimization and continuous improvement skills with demonstrated ability to eliminate inefficiencies and automate workflows.
• Risk assessment and compliance management skills.
• Executive communication skills, including the ability to present data and operational recommendations to senior leadership.
• Change management skills, particularly in system migrations and post-acquisition integrations.
• Vendor negotiation and management skills.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 4 years leading HR operations or HR systems.
• Demonstrated experience implementing or optimizing an HRIS platform.
• Experience leading compliance initiatives across multiple states.
• Proven track record in integrating acquisitions from an HR systems and compliance perspective.
• Strong analytical and data management skills.

Preferred

• Experience in a professional services, engineering, architecture, or multi-entity organization.
• Experience in private equity-backed or high-growth environments.
• HR certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP).

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.