Head of People & Operations
Location: NYC metro area (Northern NJ & NYC; Hybrid 2 - 3 days per week on site)
Schedule: Full time, Monday – Friday
Compensation: $110,000 - $125,000 base with eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus
About the Role
A boutique professional services firm is hiring a senior HR and operations leader to own three interconnected areas: people strategy, day-to-day business operations, and internal systems and technology. The right candidate is equally comfortable setting long-range strategy and rolling up their sleeves to execute, and is energized by the chance to leave a lasting mark on an organization entering a new phase of growth.
Working directly with the firm's principal and leadership team, this person will build the people and operational foundation that allows a talented staff to thrive, while keeping the business running smoothly behind the scenes through smarter processes, better tools, and continuous improvement.
We're looking for someone highly organized, self-directed, and collaborative, who thrives in a fast-moving environment with colleagues across multiple generations. Genuine curiosity about new technology, including practical applications of AI in the workplace, is essential.
This is a rare chance to shape how a respected, growing firm operates from the inside. You'll have real autonomy, a seat at the leadership table, and a direct hand in creating a workplace people want to build careers in.
What You'll Do
People & Talent
- Own recruiting end to end, from sourcing through offer
- Build a best-in-class onboarding program with structured check-ins across a new hire's first three months
- Run performance review cycles, goal setting, career pathing, and feedback programs
- Serve as a coach and sounding board for managers on employee relations and workplace issues
- Run exit interviews, spot patterns, and propose ways to improve retention and engagement
- Support leadership on succession planning
Learning & Development
- Own the annual training and professional growth strategy
- Organize internal learning programs and leadership development efforts
Culture & Employee Experience
- Foster a workplace where strong performers feel supported and want to stay long term
- Model and reinforce firm values; nurture an inclusive, high-trust, high-performing culture
- Plan company-wide gatherings, offsites, and staff events throughout the year
- Run engagement surveys, interpret the results, and turn findings into action
- Build and maintain recognition programs and culture initiatives
HR Administration & Compliance
- Administer benefits and core HR operations
- Run twice-yearly compensation benchmarking
- Keep the firm compliant with all applicable employment laws at every level of government
- Maintain complete, accurate personnel records and HR documentation
- Draft and manage offer letters and employment/contractor agreements
- Keep the employee handbook and HR policies current
- Coordinate with external partners: employment counsel, payroll, benefits brokers, accountants, and other advisors
Organizational Planning & Leadership
- Advise leadership on org design, team structures, staffing plans, and resourcing
- Build dashboards and report regularly on people and operations metrics
- Launch initiatives that improve manager effectiveness, engagement, and organizational performance
- Act as a trusted thought partner to the firm's principal and senior team
Business Operations
- Continuously improve internal workflows, SOPs, and business processes as the firm scales
- Manage office operations, facilities, vendors, and general administration
- Own the systems and technology side of employee onboarding and offboarding
- Identify and roll out technology and AI tools that make the firm more efficient and productive
What You Bring
- 10+ years of progressive HR / people operations experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership seat with ownership of the full HR function
- Bachelor's degree required, preferably in human resources, business administration, organizational psychology, or a related field; master's degree (MBA, MSHR, MSOD, or similar) strongly preferred
- SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification required (or SHRM-CP/PHR with active progress toward senior certification)
- 3+ years running business operations and/or office management
- Deep, hands-on experience across the full employee lifecycle: recruiting, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, L&D, engagement, and benefits
- Demonstrated experience independently managing complex employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary actions, accommodations, leaves of absence, and terminations with minimal reliance on outside counsel
- Expert working knowledge of federal and multi-state employment law (including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and state-specific requirements) and a track record of keeping a multi-jurisdiction employer compliant
- Experience designing and administering compensation structures, including salary banding, incentive plans, and pay equity analysis
- Proven ability to select, implement, and administer HRIS and payroll platforms, and to own HR data integrity and reporting
- Experience leading organizational change, such as restructurings, leadership transitions, or rapid growth while maintaining trust and morale
- The range to think strategically and still execute personally
- Sound judgment, discretion, and strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders and deliver difficult messages
- Background supporting a growing professional services organization (agency, consultancy, or similar client-service environment)
- A builder's mindset: a track record of creating infrastructure, streamlining processes, and putting scalable systems in place
- Comfort with data, using metrics to inform workforce and operational decisions
What We Offer
- Fully employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees
- 401(k) with employer match
- Competitive salary with annual bonus potential
- Generous PTO, including seasonal early-release days and an extended year-end break
- Hybrid flexibility that balances remote work with in-person collaboration
- Investment in your growth: memberships, conferences, training, and continuing education
- A clear path to advancement and increased compensation for top performers
- Regular team events, celebrations, and social gatherings
- Opportunities to contribute to meaningful pro bono work for community organizations
- A low-bureaucracy environment with direct access to leadership and the ability to make a visible impact
How to Apply
Send your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]. Please include “Hands-on Head of HR” in the email subject line.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- 1. Do you have experience leading HR teams for small organizations (100 employees or less)?
Education:
Experience:
- Human resources: 10 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Glen Ridge, NJ
