Golden Hippo

Director of People Services

Golden Hippo

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Woodland Hills • California • United States

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Salary

💰 $152,400 - $195,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Design and execute an ongoing total rewards strategy to support and sustain a high-performing culture that attracts, motivates, retains, and rewards employees.
  • Partner with business leaders, TA, and HRBP teams to analyze and make strategic compensation and benefits recommendations that support competitive hiring, internal equity, and retention.
  • Lead the design, administration, and continuous improvement of benefits programs, including health, retirement, life, disability, flexible spending accounts, PTO, and voluntary plans.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (FLSA, ERISA, ACA, HIPAA) and stay ahead of legislative changes to mitigate risk and advise leadership.
  • Own change management for new or updated compensation, benefits, and HR operational programs, ensuring alignment, clarity, and engagement across the organization.
  • Lead all incentive programs, including KPI-driven, bonus, ESOP, and SARs plans, ensuring proper governance, communication, and compliance.
  • Oversee benefits open enrollment, new hire enrollment, and annual audits; ensure accuracy, compliance, and a positive employee experience.
  • Develop and enforce high standards for People Services operations, including vendor management, documentation, process consistency, and compliance.
  • Continuously evaluate internal equity, program effectiveness, and ROI for all total rewards initiatives; recommend improvements to drive a high-performing culture.
  • Supervise the Senior Manager of Benefits and ensure operational efficiency.
  • Lead the Payroll team to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely operations across all employees.
  • Manage HRIS configuration, reporting, and system improvements to support operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.
  • Build a metrics-driven culture within the People Services team, developing dashboards, KPIs, and quarterly reports for HR leadership and business partners.
  • Continuously evaluate HR processes, technology, and analytics to identify opportunities for streamlining, improving accuracy, and supporting strategic objectives.
  • Ensure all payroll, HRIS, benefits, and compensation processes comply with federal and state regulations (FLSA, ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, etc.).
  • Manage vendor relationships for payroll, benefits, HRIS, retirement, and other HR services.
  • Provide reporting, metrics, and analysis to support HR leadership, HRBP, and TA teams in decision-making and workforce planning.
  • Lead, mentor, and coach People Services team members to maintain high competency and adherence to best practices across HR operations, total rewards, payroll, HRIS, and data analytics.
  • Establish and enforce high standards of quality, compliance, and timeliness across all functions.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability across the People Services team.

Requirements

  • Strong operational leadership and people management skills, with proven ability to lead and develop Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, and HRIS employees.
  • Strategic thinking with the ability to influence and advise business leaders.
  • In-depth knowledge of payroll regulations, compliance requirements, and tax laws.
  • Well-versed in Benefits, HRIS, and Compensation programs.
  • Detail-oriented with excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer service skills, including working effectively with HRBP and TA teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commitment to high standards, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word, and comfort working with HRIS systems and data reporting tools.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
  • Preferred Education: Bachelor’s in Finance, HR, Business, or related field; advanced degree or HR certifications a plus
  • Required Experience: 7+ years of Payroll experience, with a strong background in multi-state payroll processing.
  • 7+ years managing HR operations, payroll, benefits, or People Services functions.
  • Experience managing a team, vendors, and cross-functional HR projects.
  • Knowledge of payroll, HRIS, benefits, and compensation compliance and best practices.
  • Experience collaborating with HRBP and Talent Acquisition teams on employee lifecycle initiatives.
  • Experience with process improvement and operational efficiency.
Benefits
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage – We cover 100% of premiums for medical, dental, and vision plans for employee-only plans.
  • Through our charity sponsorships, you can make a positive impact on communities worldwide. We’ve donated over $9 million to date.
  • We match up to 3.5% of your 401k contributions, ensuring your retirement savings grow alongside your career.
  • 6 paid sick and mental health days, an Employee Assistance Program, free weekly yoga and meditation classes, and additional mental health benefits, because we take a holistic approach to your well-being.
  • Invest in your future with our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, where company contributions fund your retirement plan with company stock.
  • Professional development opportunities with mentorship, continuous learning programs, and performance-based pay increases, empowering you to progress and excel in your career.
  • Tuition reimbursement program, which reimburses eligible tuition expenses up to specified amounts, empowering you to invest in your ongoing growth and development.
  • Work towards our collective goals and earn up to 2 extra weeks of pay each month, based on the achievement of KPIs.
  • Celebrate your accomplishments with our Win of the Week, Spot Bonus, Work Anniversary, and Shout-Outs programs, where your hard work is not only valued but also acknowledged and rewarded.
  • Reimbursements for a portion of personal cell phone and internet usage for eligible employees.
  • For those coming into our Woodland Hills, CA office, you’ll find a fully stocked kitchen and a free on-site gym.
  • Virtual and in-person company events, like our annual holiday party, happy hours, and virtual cooking nights, designed to cultivate connections and enhance work-life balance.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
payroll processingbenefits administrationcompensation strategyHRIS managementdata reportingcompliance analysisprocess improvementvendor managementKPI developmenttotal rewards strategy
Soft Skills
operational leadershippeople managementstrategic thinkinganalytical skillsproblem-solvingorganizational skillscommunication skillscollaborationcustomer servicecommitment to continuous improvement
Certifications
Bachelor’s DegreeHR certifications