VP, Global HR Operations (People Ops)

The VP, Global HR Operations (People Operations) is responsible for leading the strategy for key aspects of the HR (People) Ops function at GumGum including: total rewards, compensation, benefits & perks, compliance, HR practices, HR tech stack, metrics & analytics, office management, and talent acquisition. The VP will lead and drive efficiencies and practices on a global scale for an international organization ensuring a balance of visionary forward-thinking practices with practical, day-to-day efficient operations within the HR organization.

At the highest level, the HR Operations team within GumGum’s People (HR) team has the responsibility to oversee all matters involving HR practices and operations across 11+ countries. The leader in this role will also serve as a  key liaison and HR Business Partner for GumGum’s other G&A departments.

The main objective for this role is to bring an experienced, strategic approach to driving efficient, scaled HR operations, reduced complexity and improved  practices for all team members. This can include HR strategic and transactional processes such as HRIS data & systems, employment laws & compliance, HR recordkeeping, leaves of absence (LOAs), immigration, metrics & reporting, workers compensation, new hire onboarding & orientation, offboarding, compensation, recruiting & hiring, and more.

Additionally, this person maintains an effective level of business knowledge, its financial measures, culture and competition. The focus will be on attracting, engaging, and retaining talent and contributing to a values-led culture. This role serves as part of GumGum’s People Leadership Team and reports to the Chief People Officer. 

Ideally the VP is located within commutable distance of GumGum’s Santa Monica, CA headquarters and operates successfully within a hybrid work environment (occasional days in office and occasional work from home days).

#li-hybrid

What You'll Achieve

• HR Systems & Technology:
  • Oversee and manage the HR tech stack including ADP WorkforceNow (HRIS), Greenhouse (ATS), Lattice (Engagement & Feedback system), Charthop (workforce planning), and others.
  • Provide strategic oversight of the People team tech stack to ultimately drive consolidation of technologies, automate systems and improve data integrity
  • Oversee the evolution and selection of emerging HR technologies, systems and tools.
  • Negotiate terms with vendors and partners; Liaison with account managers.
• Global HR Processes & Service Delivery:
  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for implementing and administering HR processes and transactions that serve our entire employee base.
  • Establish and manage a global framework and best practices for HR operations, practices, and service delivery. 
  • Assess and improve service delivery mechanisms, processes, and systems.
• Employment Law:
  • Serve as a senior advisor on global employment law matters, overseeing compliance with labor regulations across various countries. 
  • Develop and implement strategies to manage risks associated with employment practices. 
  • Stay abreast of legal and regulatory changes impacting the workforce, and ensure that HR policies, procedures, and practices are updated accordingly. 
  • Collaborate with internal and external legal counsel to navigate complex employment issues, ensuring the organization’s operations remain compliant and ethically sound across all jurisdictions.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Ensure compliance with international, federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipate legislation.
  • Enforce adherence to requirements and advise management on needed actions.
  • Ensure compliance training is being delivered and deployed across the globe in a timely and accurate manner.
• Total Rewards:
  • Design and manage a competitive total rewards strategy, including compensation, benefits, and perks, and workplace experience.
  • Liaison with HR Business Partners and Finance on a variety of sales incentive / commission plans.
  • Ensure the team is evaluating benefits & perks packages across the globe on a proactive, regular basis.
  • Negotiate terms with benefits brokers and vendor partners.
  • Bring an innovative approach to perks that can be offered globally.
  • Guide the evolution of GumGum’s compensation strategy, philosophy and practices.
• Immigration and Visa Management:
  • Lead the company's immigration and visa strategy to support international assignments, employee mobility where appropriate, and global talent acquisition. 
  • Oversee the process of obtaining work permits, visas, and other necessary legal documentation for employees working internationally. 
  • Work closely with legal counsel, immigration specialists, and HR teams to ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations in all countries where the company operates. 
  • Develop policies and procedures to streamline the global mobility process, providing support and guidance to employees and managers on relocation and immigration-related matters.
• Talent Acquisition:
  • Manage the leader of Talent Acquisition to ensure a strategic approach to acquisition efforts to attract high-caliber talent globally. 
  • Measure and report on Talent Acquisition analytics to inform future strategies and plans.
  • Oversee complex matters related to candidate experience, interview processes, and/or compensation and negotiations with candidates.
• HR Business Partner for G&A:
  • Forge solid business partnerships with G&A leaders and managers across finance & accounting, legal, IT, M&A, and sales operations. 
  • Ensure an effective and collaborative partnership across the People team and these teams.
  • Serve as the main HR point of contact and as a trusted advisor and thought partner to G&A in the areas of talent development, organizational design, compensation, and other HR related matters.
• Team Leadership:
  • Directly manage a team of 3 Directors / Managers (with 4 - 5 other team members) who oversee compensation, benefits & perks, HR operations, and talent acquisition. 
  • Indirectly manage and oversee HR operations team members in our JAPAC and EMEA regions.
  • Drive a high level of engagement on the team through training & development, effective communication, and career development.
  • Collaborate with other HR leaders across the organization.
  • On occasion, the VP will serve in an interim team leadership role when the Chief HR Officer is out of the office.

Skills You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• SHRM certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 12 years of HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing global HR functions.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing HR strategies that support business objectives and international expansion.
• Extensive knowledge of global HR practices, including compensation and benefits, compliance, and HR technology.
• Proven expertise in international labor standards, employment laws, and regulatory compliance, with a strong ability to translate legal requirements into effective HR practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the capability to navigate complex legal scenarios and provide clear guidance to the leadership team and HR staff.
• Experience in handling employment law and immigration matters across different countries.
• Demonstrated expertise in global immigration practices, with a proven track record of effectively managing work permits, visas, and international employee relocations.
• Strong understanding of global labor laws and cultural nuances related to employee relations.
• Experience leading and managing engaged HR teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Appreciation and application of internal ‘customer’ service across HR delivery and initiatives.
• Interest and acumen in understanding business concepts and models
• Strong team player with a collaborative spirit.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

What We Offer

At GumGum, competitive base pay is a part of a total rewards package which also includes benefits, an emphasis on recognition, development, and wellness. The reasonable estimated base pay range for this role is from ($215,000 to $245,000) annually.  The actual amount may be higher or lower. Individual compensation will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant qualifications, work location, and labor market conditions.

The total rewards package offered also includes an employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan, and depending on the role, participation in a bonus, commission, or stock incentive program. Your recruiter can share more specifics during the hiring process. Learn more about our U.S. benefits & perks package at gumgum.com/benefits.