Director, People Optimization

Summary

Join Deel's growing team as the Director, People Optimization, leading the People Operations and Services team. You will manage global HR inquiries, data, onboarding, and work authorization, ensuring seamless HR services worldwide. This critical role requires deep HR expertise, operational excellence, and a collaborative approach to enhance efficiency and support Deel's hyper-growth. You will lead and manage the Service Operations function, oversee HR data management, and lead the global onboarding process. The position demands strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with experience in scaling global HR processes. Deel offers competitive pay and benefits, including remote work flexibility and stock grant opportunities.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in People Operations/HR Operations, with deep expertise in enterprise grade HRIS and a proven track record of scaling and optimizing global HR processes and programs
• A strong understanding of HR policies, processes, and local legal requirements to ensure compliance and operational excellence
• A passion for workflows, efficiency, and consistency, paired with a meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• The ability to align company needs with HR best practices, while crafting frameworks that are tailored to the company’s unique culture and growth trajectory
• Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive information and making decisions that affect both individuals and the organization
• An understanding of both building from the ground up (zero to one) and strategically scaling operations (one to N) as the company grows
• A proactive problem-solving mindset, anticipating challenges and addressing potential risks before they escalate
• A data-driven approach to decision-making, using both team member feedback and metrics to inform People initiatives and measure their impact
• Proven experience in building cross-functional partnerships and influencing stakeholders at all levels of the organization to drive alignment and results
• Demonstrated experience driving large scale implementations requiring process changes, project management and change management
• Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to interact effectively with people with diverse styles; make informed decisions, find solutions, encourage and support change; and, to constructively deal with conflicts and leverage different perspectives
• Excellent approach to problem analysis and resolution at both a strategic and functional level
• Innovative thinker able to make decisions independently and expeditiously; and, to translate strategy into action
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including interpersonal and presentation skills
• Deep knowledge of HR strategy, processes, and best practices
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally is a global, matrixed environment
• Ability to perform in fast-paced, high-pressure situations
• Experience working in a globally distributed team, including working with/managing contractors and technical resources
• Outstanding attention to detail and quantitative/qualitative analysis skills to assess Return on Investment of all programs
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage a team, motivate team members and collaborate with different departments
• Takes initiative and uses good judgment; excellent follow-up skills
• Recognizes confidential, sensitive, and proprietary information and maintains confidentiality
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously successfully
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, with a strong focus on delivering results
• Excellent stakeholder management with a focus on continuous improvement and regular communication leveraging data and insights
• Strong passion for learning about our products and services through in-house and external training

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Service Operations function, ensuring efficient handling of global HR inquiries and requests
• Oversee and direct the Service Operations team, offering mentorship and support to foster team growth and development
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance service delivery and team member satisfaction
• Develop scalable methodologies and tools to optimize HR operations and streamline core processes like onboarding, hiring, terminations, and others that make up the employment and contractor life-cycle
• Provide oversight and ensure strong quality control and review processes are in place to maintain HR Knowledgebase as well as all Deel internal handbook, procedures and guides
• Implement and leverage tools to automate processes, enhancing sustainability and scalability
• Monitor and analyze service metrics to identify areas for improvement
• Identify and implement scalable, cost-effective solutions to enhance the People Team’s efficiency, focusing on building infrastructure, increasing automation, and leveraging AI responsibly to streamline operations
• Oversee HR operations audit and compliance processes, ensuring adherence to SOX, local labor laws, and internal policies. Maintain a strong control environment and continuous process improvement
• Enhance People Team service delivery by refining processes for timely, accurate, and empathetic responses to employee inquiries via our ticketing system. Use metrics and feedback to drive continuous improvement in service effectiveness
• Oversee the management and maintenance of HR employee and contractor data, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with data protection regulations
• Implement best practices for data management and continuously improve data processes
• Lead the global onboarding process, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for all new hires
• Manage work authorization processes, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations
• Collaborate with talent acquisition and people success to streamline onboarding and work authorization procedures
• Oversee the execution of day-to-day HR processes and tasks, ensuring timely and accurate completion, specifically adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Develop and document standard operating procedures for HR processes
• Identify opportunities for process automation and improvement
• Support M&A activities to ensure Deel is prepared to onboard and manage acquired team members and their data
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to design, streamline, and optimize People Team processes and programs
• Manage and conduct audits of HR procedures to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, proactively identifying areas for improvement
• Support global expansion initiatives, ensuring smooth operationalization of local employment regulations and maintaining compliance in new geographies as the company grows
• Lead change management efforts, partnering with cross-functional teams to implement new processes, tools, and technologies. Provide clear communication, training, and ongoing support to ensure successful adoption and to minimize disruption
• Other duties as assigned, as the scope and focus areas for People continues to expand

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-growth /pre-IPO Technology companies is highly preferred
• Proficiency with Google Office suite preferred
• Prior experience with Deel preferred

Benefits

• Provided computer equipment tailored to your role
• Stock grant opportunities dependent on your role, employment status and location
• Additional perks and benefits based on your employment status and country
• The flexibility of remote work, including WeWork access where available