Director, People Operations

ICON is looking for a Director of People Operations to provide unified leadership across people and talent acquisition operations, total rewards, payroll, and HR technology functions. This role will transform our existing processes into proactive, scalable systems while building cohesive teams that support our rapid growth across a distinct set of business units. If you're an HR operator with experience creating processes across both People and Talent Acquisition who is looking to build and own solutions that drive meaningful results across the business, this role is for you. This is a full-time, onsite position based on our Austin, TX HQ Campus and reports to the VP of People. RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership Lead and unify people operations, talent acquisition operations, total rewards and HR technology functions Hire and develop team members across the People Ops functional area Build and maintain strong working relationships and feedback loops between the People Operations group and unit-embedded HR and TA Business Partners. People & Talent Operations Develop and execute roadmaps that transform existing processes into proactive, scalable operations Build and launch clear operational guidance to end users across the business to support adoption Build metrics, systems, and team structures that enable efficient talent acquisition at scale Analyze existing workflows and implement systematic improvements that reduce manual effort and increase scalability Own and oversee onboarding, offboarding, performance, merit and job change processes Total Rewards Lead total rewards and payroll operations, ensuring operational continuity and strategic alignment Oversee comprehensive compensation and benefits programs that support rapid organizational scaling Technology Optimize HR technology systems that create an integrated tech stack supporting operational efficiency Scope and lead RFP processes for new technology solutions MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 8+ years of progressive people operations experience with at least 3 years in functional manager or higher level leadership roles Proven track record leading people operations transformation in scaling organizations (300+ employees) Direct experience managing total rewards, and HR technology implementations Demonstrated ability to build and lead cross‑functional teams across multiple HR disciplines Experience developing strategic roadmaps and executing operational improvements that deliver measurable outcomes Strong background in talent acquisition operations and recruiting process optimization Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Experience in high-growth technology or manufacturing environments Experience working with government contract requirements Proven ability to build structure from ground up Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive operational decisions Excellent communication skills and ability to influence without direct authority PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS Office-based role with occasional travel for team meetings or company events EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT ICON is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, diverse and discrimination‑free work environment. Employment with ICON is based on merit, competence, and qualifications. It is our policy to administer all personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Consistent with the obligations of these laws, ICON will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, as a federal government contractor, the Company maintains an affirmative action program which furthers its commitment and complies with recordkeeping and reporting requirements under certain federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (as amended). Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit candidates through this application. ICON does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency submissions for candidates and will not pay fees to any third‑party agency without a prior agreement with ICON. Internet Applicant Employment Notices #J-18808-Ljbffr