Director, HR Operations

Director Of Human Resources (Head Of HR Operations)

About FINRA: FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. We oversee more than 3,400 brokerage firms and approximately 617,000 registered securities representatives. As the largest independent securities regulator in the United States, FINRA plays a critical role in ensuring fair and honest financial markets. Join us in our mission to make a meaningful impact on the financial industry and protect investors nationwide.

The Opportunity:

Are you a strategic HR leader ready to make a significant impact? As Director of Human Resources (Head of HR Operations), you'll be at the forefront of transforming how we deliver HR services across FINRA. This high-visibility role puts you in direct partnership with Vice President-level and higher leaders, positioning you as both a trusted advisor and a strategic innovator. You'll lead a talented team of HR professionals while overseeing critical operations spanning HR Shared Services, the HR Program Management Office, vendor relationships, and business continuity planning.

This isn't just about managing day-to-day operations—it's about reimagining how HR drives business value through strategic program design, data-driven insights, and operational excellence.

Strategic Leadership & Partnership

• Serve as a premiere subject matter expert, providing expert-level counsel to senior business leaders on HR strategies that align with organizational goals
• Design and execute major programs across HR Centers of Excellence, ensuring alignment with business priorities and regulatory compliance
• Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership that shape organization-wide decisions

Operational Excellence

• Streamline HR operations and ensure exceptional service delivery while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and governance frameworks including work intake and service level standards
• Oversee HR Shared Services operations and the HR Program Management Office
• Manage vendor contracts, licenses, and purchase orders for People Solutions
• Develop and maintain comprehensive business continuity plans to ensure HR services remain operational during disruptions

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Leverage systems, technology, and data analytics to drive efficiency, productivity, and simplified employee experiences
• Stay ahead of industry trends and assess alternative approaches to elevate the HR function
• Lead cross-functional teams and initiatives that transform policies, practices, and programs

Team Development & Budget Management

• Coach, develop, and inspire your team to build organizational capability and ensure service excellence
• Manage operational budgets efficiently, optimizing company resources
• Build and strengthen relationships at all levels across the organization

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant HR experience
• Demonstrated experience managing people and leading cross-functional teams, programs, and initiatives
• In-depth project management expertise
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills with proven ability to leverage data for decision-making
• Track record of successfully collaborating with and influencing Vice President-level executives and above
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Effective presentation capabilities

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, Master's in HR) or relevant professional certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR)
• Experience in the financial services or regulated industry
• Background in HR transformation or shared services implementation

• Hybrid work arrangement with defined in-person presence requirements, offering flexibility while maintaining collaborative connections
• Extended hours and occasional travel may be required

Ready to lead HR operations at one of the financial industry's most important organizations? Join FINRA and help us build an HR function that's as innovative and impactful as the work we do to protect investors and ensure market integrity.

For work…