ABOUT THE FIRM

Secretariat professionals are trusted in the highest-stakes legal, risk, and regulatory matters around the world.

When you join Secretariat, you become part of a rapidly growing elite team of bright minds and passionate problem-solvers. Your skills and expertise will be utilized on day one – working with the world’s most renowned law firms, leading corporations, and influential institutions to answer complex questions that shape critical financial, economic, and strategic business decisions.

Our globally integrated teams are united by the ambition, energy, and commitment they bring to every challenge. We inspire and empower an open, collaborative culture that embraces ongoing professional development, recognition, diversity, and – most importantly – you.

Make your impact at Secretariat.

 Role Overview

As HR Operations Director reporting to the Chief People Officer (CPO), you will partner with executive leadership to develop and execute comprehensive HR strategies that align with business objectives. You will lead HR operations, manage payroll and HRIS systems (Workday), ensure compliance with local and international employment laws, and provide guidance across the organization during growth initiatives, mergers, and acquisitions. This role is ideal for a strategic, collaborative HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced, complex, and highly regulated environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic HR Leadership: Working with the CPO you will partner with senior leaders to shape organizational strategy, workforce planning, and change management initiatives. Advise executives on HR implications of business decisions.
• HR Operations Leadership: Own day-to-day HR operations and processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across all systems and functions.
• Payroll & HR Systems Oversight: Lead domestic and international payroll operations; manage, optimize, and leverage Workday HRIS for reporting, analytics, and operational efficiency.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure adherence to all federal, state, local, and international employment laws, including GDPR. Oversee policies and procedures globally to maintain organizational compliance.
• Culture & Employee Experience: Foster a positive, transparent, and inclusive workplace culture. Lead employee engagement initiatives and implement programs to strengthen organizational morale and retention.
• Compensation & Benefits: Provide guidance on compensation structures, benchmarking, and benefits strategy. Partner with external brokers and vendors to ensure competitive, compliant offerings.
• HR Operations & Metrics: Maintain accurate employee data, dashboards, and compliance reporting to provide leadership visibility and support decision-making.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentor and develop HR staff to build a high-performing, strategic HR function capable of supporting organizational growth and complexity.
• Performance Management: Oversee the administration and optimization of performance management processes and systems, ensuring consistency, fairness, and alignment with business objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within international professional services.
• Demonstrated expertise in payroll administration (domestic and international) and compliance.
• Advanced knowledge of Workday HRIS (HR and payroll modules), including implementation, reporting, and optimization.
• Experience managing HR across multiple states and international jurisdictions, including GDPR compliance.
• Prior involvement in mergers, acquisitions, or organizational integrations (not required).
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.