Director, HR Operations

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Department Summary: Lead Scalable Operations. Align People Strategy with Business Impact. We’re looking for a dynamic Director of HR Operations to orchestrate the operating model, systems, and service architecture of our HR organization—supporting over 110 HR professionals and 7,500 employees across a complex, mission-driven FFRDC. In this highly visible role, you will set the enterprise HR operating framework and enable sector-based HR teams to deliver consistent, compliant, and high-impact people services. Human Resources Information Services (HRIS), HR Service Center, and People Analytics report into this role.

Partnering closely with business sectors, you will ensure workforce strategies are translated into scalable execution . You will bring operational discipline, innovation, and a collaborative mindset to everything from process design and compliance to workforce planning and cross-functional enablement.

**Roles & Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence**

• Establish and govern HR service delivery standards across recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, compliance, and related functions.
• Enable and optimize enterprise systems, workflows, and shared-service capabilities to ensure consistent, high-quality HR delivery across sectors.
• Define, monitor, and report on KPIs to ensure performance, service levels, and operational efficiency.

Strategic Business Partnership

• Serve as the enterprise HR operations integrator, ensuring HR strategies are enabled through common platforms, processes, and governance.
• Partner with sector and corporate leaders to align workforce strategies and enable execution at scale.
• Act as the connective tissue between HR and the business to ensure proactive support, agility, and strategic alignment.

Enterprise-Wide Process Innovation

• Architect, standardize, and govern scalable HR processes that support organizational growth and change.
• Identify and drive opportunities to automate and streamline workflows, reduce complexity, and expand employee and manager self-service.
• Ensure HR systems are fully integrated and compliant with enterprise platforms (finance, IT, legal, security).

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Build and govern enterprise workforce analytics and reporting frameworks to surface insights on workforce trends, service performance, and future talent needs.
• Translate insights into operational and strategic actions that improve organizational agility and HR effectiveness.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 25 HR operations professionals responsible for enterprise platforms, service-delivery infrastructure, analytics, and shared services.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the HR operations ecosystem.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure HR operations meet all federal, state, and FFRDC-specific compliance requirements.
• Anticipate risks, implement mitigation strategies, and maintain audit readiness across all HR service areas.

Basic Qualifications:

• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience; at least 5 years leading large-scale HR operations.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in HR, Business, or related field.
• Strong background in complex, mission-driven environments (government, FFRDC, or highly regulated industries preferred).
• Ability to work onsite four days a week (McLean or Bedford office location) with occasional travel (15%).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Workday and Service Center operations preferred.
• Experience leading larger teams of over 20 staff across various locations.
• Proven ability to design, integrate, and govern enterprise HR operations across distributed organizations.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally at the executive level.
• Expertise in data-driven HR practices and HRIS technologies.
• Adept at building high-performing teams and driving organizational change.
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or other HR certifications are highly desirable.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s): None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s): None

Salary compensation range and midpoint: $219,000 - $274,000 - $329,000 Annual

Work Location Type: Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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