Executive Director, People Operations

Job Family:

Human Capital Operations

Travel Required:

Up to 25%

Clearance Required:

None

What You Will Do:

The People Operations Lead will serve as the operational leader of the People organization, responsible for translating enterprise people strategy into executable programs that drive organizational effectiveness, scalability, and business impact. Partnering closely with the Chief People Officer and People leadership team, this role will drive the execution of the firm’s people strategy, optimize service delivery, and modernize People operations through data, technology, and transformation initiatives. Finally, this role will enable the People organization to operate with rigor and consistency while positioning the firm for growth, transformation, and IPO readiness.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the Execution of the People Strategy

Operationalize the People Strategy set by the CPO, translating strategic priorities into actionable programs and initiatives

Partner with People leadership and business leaders to align talent strategy with growth objectives and financial goals

Confirm alignment between People, Corporate Strategy, and VCP initiatives to drive enterprise impact

Lead execution of IPO-related People initiatives, including workforce strategy, governance, and readiness activities

Serve as a strategic advisor to the CPO and executive leadership on organizational effectiveness and workforce strategy

Drive Operational Excellence Across the People Organization

Lead the day-to-day operations of the People organization, driving efficiency, consistency, and scalability across segments and geographies

Design and optimize HR operating models, service delivery frameworks, and core People processes

Lead workforce change initiatives, including restructuring, transformation, and M&A integration support

Drive effective communication and execution of change across the enterprise, supporting leaders through complex transitions

Build and lead a high-performing People Operations function with strong program management, execution rigor, and accountability

Support executive leadership and Board readiness through talent reporting, workforce insights, and leadership transition support

Transform People Operations Through Data, Technology & Innovation

Partner with the CIO and technology teams to implement and optimize HR technology platforms, including HRIS and workforce analytics tools

Drive the integration of AI, automation, and digital solutions to modernize HR processes and improve service delivery

Lead workforce analytics and reporting, developing dashboards and insights to inform decision-making (e.g., QBRs, MBRs)

Use data to identify workforce trends, risks, and opportunities, enabling proactive management of talent and organizational health

Drive continuous improvement across People processes through technology, data, and operational innovation

Establish scalable infrastructure and processes to support a growing, global, and increasingly complex organization

What You Will Need

15+ years of experience in HR, People Strategy, or organizational leadership roles

Proven experience leading large-scale People operations, transformation, or enterprise HR functions

Strong expertise in organizational design, workforce strategy, and enterprise transformation

Demonstrated ability to lead complex, global teams and operating environments

Deep experience in process optimization, service delivery models, and HR operating model design

Strong executive presence with the ability to influence C-suite and Board-level stakeholders

Experience in workforce analytics, data-driven decision-making, and HR dashboard development

Expertise in HR technology, including HRIS platforms, automation, and AI-enabled solutions

Strong communication, stakeholder management, and change management leadership capabilities

Understanding of the business drivers behind workforce and organizational strategy

This is a hybrid position and candidates must be located within 50 miles of a Guidehouse office. Preferred locations are in the greater Washington, DC, Chicago, IL, and San Antonio, TX areas.

What Would Be Nice to Have

Experience in professional services, consulting, or similar high-growth environments

Experience supporting IPO readiness, large-scale transformation, or private equity-backed organizations

Background supporting remote and hybrid workforce models at scale

Advanced certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CCMP, PMP)

Experience aligning People operations with enterprise transformation and value creation initiatives

The annual salary range for this position is $255,000.00-$435,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Basic Life & Supplemental Life

Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

Student Loan PayDown

Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities

Skills Development & Certifications

Employee Referral Program

Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program

Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.