Job Description

Who We Are

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 is 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 rand 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 + plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus.

What SPINS Offers

We have enjoyed tremendous growth over the years and, as a leader in a fast-growing industry, we have no plans to slow down! While all that growth brings excitement, it is also an opportunity for SPINS to show it values the health and wellness of its team members.

• 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 use 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.

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