Director of People Operations & HR Business Partner

Spectrum Search is partnered with a well-backed, growth-stage AI technology company seeking a Director of People Operations & HR Business Partner to establish and lead its US people operations function.

This is an opportunity to build scalable HR infrastructure, shape the employee experience and partner directly with senior leadership as the organisation expands its San Francisco presence.

About the opportunity

The company develops artificial intelligence solutions for the financial services sector and is entering its next phase of organisational growth.

As its first dedicated US People Operations leader, you will take ownership of local HR operations, employee relations, workplace experience and people processes.

The position combines strategic HR business partnering with hands-on operational leadership. You will work closely with executive stakeholders and an internationally based Head of People, translating business priorities into practical people initiatives.

The role

Reporting into senior leadership and collaborating with the global People function, you will establish the systems, policies and processes required to support a growing US workforce.

Initially operating as an individual contributor, you will have significant autonomy and the opportunity to build a team as the organisation scales.

The immediate priorities include standardising onboarding, strengthening HR compliance, supporting managers and developing an effective in-office employee experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end US People Operations, covering onboarding, employee policies, benefits administration, compliance and employee relations.
• Build and implement scalable HR processes, operational frameworks and employee lifecycle documentation.
• Act as a strategic HR Business Partner (HRBP) to senior leaders, managers and employees.
• Advise on organisational design, performance management, employee engagement and retention.
• Ensure compliance with California employment law and applicable US federal employment regulations.
• Develop structured onboarding programmes that establish clear expectations and support employee success.
• Oversee workplace operations, office facilities, vendor relationships and space planning.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives, internal events and workplace programmes.
• Partner with the global People team to align local operations with broader organisational priorities.
• Support workforce planning and organisational development as the US team expands.

Essential requirements

• Substantial experience across People Operations, HR business partnering and HR leadership within a technology environment.
• Recent experience in a venture-backed, scaling technology business, ideally at early or growth stage.
• Demonstrated success building HR infrastructure, policies and operational processes from the ground up.
• Strong working knowledge of California employment law, US HR compliance and employee relations.
• Experience supporting organisational growth, including workforce planning, performance management and employee retention.
• Practical experience managing office operations, workplace facilities and external vendors.
• Ability to operate independently while providing credible, commercially focused guidance to senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills.
• Willingness to take direct ownership of both strategic initiatives and day-to-day HR operations.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience supporting technology businesses through significant headcount growth.
• Familiarity with HR technology and applicant tracking systems, including Rippling, Lattice, Ashby, Greenhouse or Justworks.
• Experience collaborating with internationally distributed People teams.
• Background in AI, enterprise software, SaaS or financial technology.
• Previous involvement in establishing or expanding an in-person office environment.

Location and remote setup

This is a full-time, permanent position based in San Francisco, California.

The role requires five days per week on-site, with a strong emphasis on working directly with leadership and employees.

Candidates must be able to work from the San Francisco office. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Visa transfers may be considered for suitably qualified candidates, including eligible H-1B transfers.