Director, People Operations Chicago, IL
Spins LLC., Chicago, IL, United States
For over 20 years, SPINS has been a leader in recognizing the transformative power of data in retail. We offer our clients cutting-edge tools to attract attention from a fast‑growing segment within the Health & Wellness industry, the values‑based consumer. Nearly half of shoppers prioritize products that emphasize wellness, social responsibility, and sustainable practices. SPINS retail consumer insights, analytics, and consulting services give our clients a competitive advantage to increase their share of this growing market. Our data is the most comprehensive and accurate in the industry, allowing clients to power AI models and machine learning algorithms that help them better understand and meet their customers' needs. At SPINS, behind all of our impressive data is our real differentiator, our people. We pride ourselves on our collaborative, flexible, and communicative culture that puts people at the center of everything we do.
This role is based in Chicago, IL with a hybrid schedule of two in‑office days per week.
Director, People Operations
The Director of People Operations leads the team responsible for operating the company’s core people systems and employee lifecycle processes. This role ensures People Ops programs run consistently and reliably across a workforce of 500+ employees located across the United States, Europe, LATAM and APAC.
The Director leads the People Operations team, overseeing recruiting operations, HRIS administration, payroll coordination, and employee relations. The role is responsible for ensuring people systems operate smoothly while helping leaders navigate complex employee situations with sound judgment and practical solutions. The Director will transition People Operations toward an AI‑first operating model by modernizing workflows, embedding automation, and operationalizing AI‑enabled tools to reduce manual effort and enhance accuracy.
This position partners with leaders at all levels and internal G&A functions to maintain operational excellence. The role serves as a coach in supporting leaders in managing their teams effectively.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the People Operations Team
Lead and develop the People Operations team
Ensure consistent execution of People Ops programs and processes
Maintain operational standards across recruiting, onboarding, and employee lifecycle activities
Provide trusted operational support to leaders across the organization
Provide HR business partner support to functional leaders, offering guidance on team structure, performance management, workforce planning and organizational effectiveness
Navigate Employee Relations Issues
Lead and support employee relations matters and workplace investigations
Partner with leaders to address team challenges, performance concerns, and workplace conflicts
Ensure People Ops policies are applied consistently and fairly
Partner with Legal when needed on sensitive or complex situations
Operate People Systems and Payroll Coordination
Manage People Ops technology platforms including Paylocity (HRIS and payroll) and Deel
Operationalize AI‑driven tools and automation to improve efficiency, streamline processes and elevate data accuracy and insights
Oversee payroll coordination in partnership with Finance / Accounting
Maintain vendor relationships supporting People Ops systems and benefits
Administer Core Talent Processes
Run and continuously improve annual performance and compensation review cycles
Execute promotion and salary adjustment processes
Support Workforce Planning
Maintain headcount and workforce reporting
Support Finance / Accounting with workforce data requests
Ensure people data across systems remains accurate and accessible
Requirements
8+ years of experience in People Operations or People Ops leadership roles
Demonstrated hands‑on experience leading a small People Operations team in high‑ambiguity organizations with 500+ employees
Strong experience navigating employee relations issues and workplace investigations
Experience managing People Ops teams and employee lifecycle processes
Expertise with HRIS platforms such as Paylocity, Deel, or comparable systems
Hands‑on experience implementing technology‑enabled or AI‑supported HR processes, including workflow automation, AI‑based tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot), or process redesign
Experience administering performance and compensation cycles
Experience providing HR business partner support to leaders, including performance coaching, organizational planning, and guiding teams through change
Strong judgment, problem‑solving, and communication skills
PHR or SPHR certification
Salary Range : $175,000/yr - $200,000/yr + eligibility for a performance‑based bonus
What SPINS Offers
We embrace hybrid work options so that you have the flexibility to create a work‑life balance that actually works!
Each employee is allotted paid time to volunteer with an organization of their choice and charitable donations are matched.
Semi‑annual company‑wide employee survey that is used to shape company programs, perks, and culture.
The SPINS Way
Direct
– We communicate with clarity, honesty and respect in all situations and embrace opportunities to provide solution‑oriented feedback.
Determined
– We are committed to overcoming all obstacles to achieve results. We adapt to change, seek opportunities to learn and rapidly translate that learning into action.
Passionate
– We go above and beyond to help our partners achieve their goals. We challenge assumptions and are comfortable forging new paths.
Collaborative
– We leave our egos at the door, believing that working together we will produce an outcome that’s greater than each individual contribution.
As set forth in SPINS’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
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This role is based in Chicago, IL with a hybrid schedule of two in‑office days per week.
Director, People Operations
The Director of People Operations leads the team responsible for operating the company’s core people systems and employee lifecycle processes. This role ensures People Ops programs run consistently and reliably across a workforce of 500+ employees located across the United States, Europe, LATAM and APAC.
The Director leads the People Operations team, overseeing recruiting operations, HRIS administration, payroll coordination, and employee relations. The role is responsible for ensuring people systems operate smoothly while helping leaders navigate complex employee situations with sound judgment and practical solutions. The Director will transition People Operations toward an AI‑first operating model by modernizing workflows, embedding automation, and operationalizing AI‑enabled tools to reduce manual effort and enhance accuracy.
This position partners with leaders at all levels and internal G&A functions to maintain operational excellence. The role serves as a coach in supporting leaders in managing their teams effectively.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the People Operations Team
Lead and develop the People Operations team
Ensure consistent execution of People Ops programs and processes
Maintain operational standards across recruiting, onboarding, and employee lifecycle activities
Provide trusted operational support to leaders across the organization
Provide HR business partner support to functional leaders, offering guidance on team structure, performance management, workforce planning and organizational effectiveness
Navigate Employee Relations Issues
Lead and support employee relations matters and workplace investigations
Partner with leaders to address team challenges, performance concerns, and workplace conflicts
Ensure People Ops policies are applied consistently and fairly
Partner with Legal when needed on sensitive or complex situations
Operate People Systems and Payroll Coordination
Manage People Ops technology platforms including Paylocity (HRIS and payroll) and Deel
Operationalize AI‑driven tools and automation to improve efficiency, streamline processes and elevate data accuracy and insights
Oversee payroll coordination in partnership with Finance / Accounting
Maintain vendor relationships supporting People Ops systems and benefits
Administer Core Talent Processes
Run and continuously improve annual performance and compensation review cycles
Execute promotion and salary adjustment processes
Support Workforce Planning
Maintain headcount and workforce reporting
Support Finance / Accounting with workforce data requests
Ensure people data across systems remains accurate and accessible
Requirements
8+ years of experience in People Operations or People Ops leadership roles
Demonstrated hands‑on experience leading a small People Operations team in high‑ambiguity organizations with 500+ employees
Strong experience navigating employee relations issues and workplace investigations
Experience managing People Ops teams and employee lifecycle processes
Expertise with HRIS platforms such as Paylocity, Deel, or comparable systems
Hands‑on experience implementing technology‑enabled or AI‑supported HR processes, including workflow automation, AI‑based tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot), or process redesign
Experience administering performance and compensation cycles
Experience providing HR business partner support to leaders, including performance coaching, organizational planning, and guiding teams through change
Strong judgment, problem‑solving, and communication skills
PHR or SPHR certification
Salary Range : $175,000/yr - $200,000/yr + eligibility for a performance‑based bonus
What SPINS Offers
We embrace hybrid work options so that you have the flexibility to create a work‑life balance that actually works!
Each employee is allotted paid time to volunteer with an organization of their choice and charitable donations are matched.
Semi‑annual company‑wide employee survey that is used to shape company programs, perks, and culture.
The SPINS Way
Direct
– We communicate with clarity, honesty and respect in all situations and embrace opportunities to provide solution‑oriented feedback.
Determined
– We are committed to overcoming all obstacles to achieve results. We adapt to change, seek opportunities to learn and rapidly translate that learning into action.
Passionate
– We go above and beyond to help our partners achieve their goals. We challenge assumptions and are comfortable forging new paths.
Collaborative
– We leave our egos at the door, believing that working together we will produce an outcome that’s greater than each individual contribution.
As set forth in SPINS’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr