Director, People Operations

Shield AI

Director leading AI-enabled People Operations for Shield AI, a defense-tech company protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Scaling workforce lifecycle services, automation, governance, and employee support.

Posted 8/13/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California, District of Columbia, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $160,000 - $250,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in leading People Operations with a focus on operational transformation, AI-enabled solutions, and employee lifecycle management. Proficient in establishing governance, data integrity, and service delivery metrics to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

People Operations LeadershipOperational TransformationAI-Enabled SolutionsEmployee Lifecycle ManagementData Governance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Employee Lifecycle OperationsService Delivery ModelsProcess RedesignAutomationKPI ManagementSLAsOperational ReportingChange ManagementDigital TransformationKnowledge Management

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationStakeholder Management

Tools & Technologies

UKGJira Service ManagementAshbyAutomation Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

SHRM-SCPSPHRPMPLean Six SigmaITIL

Industry Keywords

Human ResourcesBusiness AdministrationHigh-Growth EnvironmentsService ManagementDigital TransformationOperational ExcellenceLeanSix SigmaAgileITIL

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute a unified People Operations vision, operating model, and multi-year roadmap spanning candidate interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and employee lifecycle operations
Lead day-to-day operations and ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across the employee lifecycle
Lead and scale the People Operations function, with accountability for team performance, service quality, and outcomes
Establish team structure, capacity planning, KPIs, and operating rhythms
Advise executives on workforce operations, hiring experience, service delivery, and AI enablement
Transform People Operations into a self-service-first, AI-enabled support model
Design and implement automation, case management, and digital support channels
Lead enterprise knowledge management
Own service performance, including SLAs, response times, quality, and employee satisfaction
Establish governance for AI-enabled execution and support
Improve services through analytics, feedback, and process optimization
Select and manage People Operations vendors and platforms
Own end-to-end workforce lifecycle processes from interview coordination and candidate logistics through onboarding, employee changes, and offboarding
Lead process redesign, automation, change management, and adoption initiatives
Establish policies, documentation, controls, service standards, operational continuity, and audit readiness
Ensure employee data accuracy, security, and integrity
Establish data governance, audit, and validation practices
Partner with HRIS, Payroll, Legal, Finance, IT, Talent Acquisition, and Digital teams
Execute the People Operations technology roadmap and optimize UKG, Jira Service Management, Ashby, and automation tools
Establish service metrics, dashboards, and reporting frameworks
Monitor SLAs, KPIs, and operational health indicators
Use data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and automation opportunities
Measure service effectiveness, employee experience, and AI performance
Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices to modernize and scale People Operations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
15+ years of progressive HR or People Operations experience in complex or high-growth environments
7+ years leading People Operations or HR Shared Services teams
Experience designing and scaling shared services and service delivery models
Proven track record of operational transformation, including automation and AI-enabled solutions
Strong expertise in employee lifecycle operations, compliance, and data governance
Experience partnering with HRIS and enterprise technology teams
Demonstrated success with KPIs, SLAs, and operational reporting
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Preferred: Master’s degree or MBA in a related field
Preferred: Experience in technology, aerospace, defense, or high-growth industries
Preferred: Experience building AI-enabled service models and knowledge management systems
Preferred: Experience with UKG, Ashby, and Jira
Preferred: Background in service management, digital transformation, or operational excellence
Preferred: Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or ITIL methodologies
Preferred: Experience supporting multi-state or global workforce operations
Preferred: Relevant certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or ITIL
Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment
Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
Reasonable accommodation for disabilities or special needs