Director of People Operations

Description The Director of People Operations leads the development, implementation, and execution of People Operations programs and policies in support of the firm’s strategic goals. This role manages core HR functions, including employee engagement, performance management, compliance, onboarding and orientation, and team development. The Director of People Operations serves as a trusted advisor and partners with firm leadership, practice group leaders, and department leaders to drive initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and foster a high-performance, inclusive culture. This position reports to the Chief People Officer and can be located in the firm’s Irvine or Los Angeles Offices. This is an exciting opportunity to join the firm during its building stage, creating an innovative, entrepreneurial, and dynamic AmLaw full-service firm! Key Responsibilities Strategic & Operational HR Planning and Oversight Lead initiatives that support long‑term talent development, operational efficiency, and firm objectives. Collaborate with firm leadership to assess workforce needs, succession planning, and organizational structure. Assess performance development and retention strategies. Policy Development & Compliance Oversight Draft, implement, and enforce policies across all offices that reflect the firm’s values and comply with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Monitor legal and regulatory changes and proactively update policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Support internal audits and ensure documentation is complete and compliant. Maintain and update compliance documentation related to ERISA wrap, Section 125 POP, Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), and similar regulatory policies. Coordinate and oversee the reasonable accommodation and interactive process, ensuring timely, compliant, and empathetic engagement with employees in alignment with ADA and FEHA requirements. Manage and maintain firm registrations with state agencies, including business, labor, and compliance filings, to ensure adherence to jurisdictional requirements and deadlines. Manage the firm’s business insurance coverages, including professional liability, malpractice, cyber, etc. to ensure that policies remain active and meet the firm’s needs. Benefits Administration Provide strategic oversight of the organization’s benefits programs and total rewards strategy. Assist with benefits budget planning, forecasting, and cost management. Collaborate with the People Operations Manager in the design, evaluation, and administration of benefits offerings. Ensure benefits programs remain competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with business objectives. Support leadership with benefits strategy and program improvements. Payroll Partner with finance, leadership, and the People Operations Manager to support payroll reporting, budgeting, audits, and related follow-up. Support payroll operations, managed by the People Operations Manager, by helping coordinate timelines, inputs, and issue resolution. Assist in reviewing payroll processes for accuracy, compliance, and alignment with firm policies. Provide support for payroll compliance efforts by maintaining documentation and helping monitor federal, state, and local requirements. Employee Engagement & Culture Design and implement programs that enhance employee satisfaction, retention, and firm culture. Lead firmwide initiatives such as engagement surveys, recognition programs, and wellness campaigns. Collaborate with department leaders and the workplace experience team to implement events and initiatives across offices. Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to foster a culture of belonging. Partner with department heads to address team dynamics and morale. Performance Management & Development Oversee the performance review process, ensuring consistency, fairness, and alignment with firm goals. Support managers in goal-setting, coaching, and employee development planning. Collaborate with the development team to identify training needs and coordinate professional development opportunities. Onboarding Oversee the development, organization, and distribution of employee handbooks and onboarding resources to support a consistent and engaging new hire experience. Supervise the coordination of all onboarding activities, including orientation, training schedules, and cross functional collaboration. Coordinate updates and improvements to onboarding and orientation SOPs. Cross-Functional Collaboration Provide advice and coach managers on policy application and employee relations concerns. Partner with department leaders to support workforce planning, team development, and employee engagement. Collaborate with payroll, finance, and legal teams to ensure accurate and timely HR operations. Employee Relations & Support Serve as a key resource for managers and employees on HR-related matters, including performance concerns, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation. Conduct and document employee relations meetings, performance improvement plans, including disciplinary actions and termination. Conduct investigations and manage sensitive employee relations issues with discretion and professionalism. Team Leadership Supervise People Operations team members, providing mentorship and performance feedback while fostering development in alignment with individual and team needs. Promote collaboration and continuous improvement across the HR team. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field is required; advanced HR certification or degree is highly preferred. 7+ years of progressive HR experience required, including 2+ years of experience in a law firm. Experience and comfort in a fast‑paced, high growth environment. Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and compliance standards. Experience leading HR teams and strategic initiatives. Experience coordinating payroll with third‑party vendors. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism. Proficiency with HRIS and timekeeping systems. This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Equal Opportunity Employer Kahana Feld provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Job Type Full-Time, Exempt Supervisory Responsibilities People Operations Specialist People Operations Coordinator Work Location Hybrid Work Schedule 8:30am - 5:30pm Monday-Friday. Occasional weekends and holidays. Salary Scale $150,000-$180,000 DOE Physical Requirements Primarily sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to walk short distances, and/or drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials. Work can be performed with or without accommodations. Travel 10-20% domestic travel by car and plane. #J-18808-Ljbffr