VP, People Operations

About This Role

Leading the People function during a significant growth phase is the core of this VP, People Operations role. You will advise the leadership team and manage the full employee experience while overseeing a small team of HR professionals and a recruiter.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute a People strategy tied to growth plans and acquisition activity, including workforce planning, org design, and the People budget.
• Lead the People workstream for acquisitions, from due diligence and workforce assessment through integration planning and post-close execution.
• Build a repeatable integration playbook to align acquired teams on titles, levels, compensation, benefits, policies, and systems.
• Develop a company-wide job architecture, including job families, levels, titles, competencies, career paths, and consistent job descriptions.
• Own compensation philosophy, salary bands, incentive structures, promotion guidelines, and annual compensation planning with Finance.
• Oversee performance management, succession planning, and talent reviews.
• Lead culture, engagement, and change management across existing and acquired teams.
• Oversee recruiting and coach the company's recruiter on hiring standards, leveling, and offers.
• Provide executive oversight of payroll, benefits, 401(k), HR systems, and People vendors.
• Ensure People practices comply with federal, California, and local employment law, including worker classification.
• Build People dashboards and use workforce data to guide executive decisions.

Requirements

• Progressive HR leadership experience, including time as the senior People leader at a growing organization.
• A track record of advising CEOs and executive teams.
• Hands-on M&A experience: due diligence, integration planning, employee communications, and post-close execution.
• Experience building job architecture and career paths.
• Experience designing compensation structures, salary bands, and incentive programs.
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance.
• Experience overseeing payroll, benefits, and retirement plan vendors and controls.
• Experience leading and developing HR teams and handling complex employee relations matters.
• Strong business and financial acumen, sound judgment, and executive presence.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• SPHR or SHRM-SCP preferred.
• Agency, professional services, or marketing background is a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.