Executive Director, People Operations

Job Family: Human Capital Operations Travel Required: Up to 25% Clearance Required: None What You Will Do: 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. Key Responsibilities: 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 What You Will Need 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. What Would Be Nice to Have Experience in professional services, consulting, or similar high-growth environments Experience supporting IPO readiness, large-scale transformation, or private equity-backed organizations Background supporting remote and hybrid workforce models at scale Advanced certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CCMP, PMP) Experience aligning People operations with enterprise transformation and value creation initiatives The annual salary range for this position is $255,000.00-$435,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. What We Offer: Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace. Benefits include: Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance 401(k) Retirement Plan Basic Life & Supplemental Life Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Student Loan PayDown Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities Skills Development & Certifications Employee Referral Program Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program Mobility Stipend About Guidehouse Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation. Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation. All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or View email address on click.appcast.io. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process. If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties. Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee. Guidehouse is a global AI-led professional services firm delivering advisory, technology, and managed services to the commercial and government sectors. With an integrated business technology approach, Guidehouse drives efficiency and resilience in the healthcare, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and national security markets. Built to help clients across industries outwit complexity, the firm brings together approximately 18,000 professionals to achieve lasting impact and shape a meaningful future. guidehouse.com