Head of People Operations

KLR Executive Search Group is partnering with a well-established professional services organization to recruit its next Head of People Operations. The organization has expanded significantly and is ready to move from an organically developed HR model to a more structured, scalable people function.This is a highly visible enterprise leadership role for an HR executive who can navigate business strategy and growth and work closely with the C-level leadership team to deliver enterprise-level HR transformation. The Head of People Operations will set the direction for the People function while remaining close enough to the work to ensure strong execution. The role includes oversight of core HR operations, compensation strategy, benefits, payroll, employee relations, performance and career development, learning and development, HR technology, and talent acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

Build and execute a multi-year people strategy aligned with the organization’s business plans, growth objectives, and service model.Lead the evolution of compensation, salary administration, incentive planning and benefits, partnering closely with Finance on affordability, competitiveness and governance.Advise senior leaders on workforce planning, organizational design, succession, leadership capability and change management.Create clear, consistent career levels, job architecture, promotion standards and performance expectations across the organization.Evaluate the potential role of long-term incentives and other rewards that support attraction, retention and business performance.Modernize people processes, policies, reporting and technology, including assessment of the current payroll and HR platform and related vendor relationships.Provide executive oversight for recruiting, employee relations, payroll, leave administration, compliance, learning and development, and day-to-day HR operations.Use practical metrics and dashboards to improve decisions, monitor organizational health, and provide leadership with a clear view of workforce trends and priorities.Coach leaders and managers, raising accountability while preserving a collaborative, service-oriented culture.Lead, develop, and organize the People team, including recruiting and HR operations professionals, as well as the learning and development function.

Qualifications

Desired: Seven-plus years as the Head of the People function in an enterprise environment or CHRO.Progressive leadership experience across multiple HR disciplines, with meaningful responsibility for both strategy and operations.Strong experience with building compensation frameworks, working with financial leaders to develop models, offering expertise in executive compensation, LTI, and bonus plans.Strong workforce planning, organizational design, and change leadership capabilities.Experience leading HR technology, payroll, or vendor evaluations and translating system decisions into better processes and employee service.An understanding of and the ability to improve enterprise job levels, career paths, performance management, benefits and incentive programs.Business and financial acumen, including the ability to partner with Finance on workforce investments, budgets and rewards.Executive presence and sound judgment, with the credibility to advise senior leaders and the discretion required in a high-trust environment.Clear, persuasive communication skills, including an ability to build support for change with varied stakeholder groups.A collaborative, approachable, and service-minded orientation, paired with the confidence to set standards and hold leaders accountable.