Director, People Optimization - job 1 of 2

Who we are is what we do.

Deel and our family of growing companies are made up of global teams dedicated to helping businesses hire anyone, anywhere, easily. 

The team comprises over three thousand self-driven individuals spanning over 100 countries, and our unified yet diverse culture keeps us continually learning and innovating the platform and products for customers.

Companies should be able to hire the best talent anywhere in the world, so we are building the best platform to make that a reality. Our market-leading technology, expertise, and global team are crucial to the platform’s success. We deliver the best products and features in our space, enabling millions of jobs worldwide and connecting the global workforce with the best companies and opportunities.

Why should you be part of our success story?

A 30-mile hiring radius should no longer dictate how companies hire because exceptional talent lives everywhere. Deel sees a world without hiring borders and endless talent that pairs perfect candidates with great companies.

We offer global teams all the tools they need to hire, onboard, manage, pay, and scale at full speed. We aim to foster a diverse global economy by building a generational platform that seamlessly connects companies with talent worldwide.

After our successful Series D in 2021, we raised another $50M in 2023, doubling our valuation to $12B. There’s never been a more exciting time to join Deel — the international payroll and compliance market leader.

About the Role:

The Director, People Optimization leads the People Operations and Services team to manage global HR inquiries, HR data management, global onboarding and work authorization, and the execution of day-to-day HR processes and tasks. The role is critical to ensure seamless HR services and operations worldwide. The team’s mission is to create a seamless and impactful team member experience, ensuring that HR systems, processes, and resources are aligned with Deel’s strategic goals and hyper growth. This role demands a deep expertise in HR best practices, operational excellence, and a collaborative approach to continuously enhance efficiency and support the evolving needs of our business.

What You Will Do:

• People Operations and Services

  • 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.

• Data Management

  • 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.

• Global Onboarding And Work Authorization

  • 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.

• HR Process And Task Execution

  • 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.

• General Oversight and Responsibilities

  • 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.
    

What You Will Bring:

• 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.

• Experience in high-growth /pre-IPO Technology companies is highly preferred.

• Proficiency with Google Office suite preferred.

• Prior experience with Deel preferred.

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The team member may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Total Rewards

Our workforce deserves fair and competitive pay that meets them where they are. With scalable benefits, rewards, and perks, our total rewards programs reflect our commitment to inclusivity and access for all. 

Some things you’ll enjoy

• 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

At Deel, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of  race, religion, sex, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy or maternity or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Unless otherwise agreed, we will communicate with job applicants using Deel-specific emails, which include @deel.com and other acquired company emails like @payspace.com and @paygroup.com. You can view the most up-to-date job listings at Deel by visiting our careers page.

Deel is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects different abilities, backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, identities and perspectives.

Deel will provide accommodation on request throughout the recruitment, selection and assessment process for applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please inform our Talent Acquisition Team at recruiting@deel.com of the nature of the accommodation that you may require, to ensure your equal participation.