Executive Director, People Operations

People Operations Lead

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.

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

• 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.

• Experience in professional services, consulting, or similar high-growth environments
• Experience supporting IPO readiness, large-scale…