Head Of People Operations Jobs in New York
Head Of People Operations jobs in New York sit at the center of one of the most active HR leadership markets in the country, with strong demand across financial services, technology, media, and healthcare organizations at every level from senior HR manager through chief people officer. Most hiring concentrates in New York City, with secondary clusters in Albany and Buffalo, where anchor employers like JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, and Verizon maintain large people operations functions. The most sought-after specialties include talent strategy, HR systems and analytics, and organizational development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 4 of 12+ Head Of People Operations jobs
Empathy is transforming the way families navigate life’s most difficult times - from the loss of a loved one to other major life transitions. By combining technology with compassionate human care, we bring clarity, comfort, and peace of mind when it matters most.
We partner with leading employers, insurers, and financial institutions to deliver meaningful, human-centric support at scale. Today, Empathy supports over 50 million people across the US, Canada, and the UK.
Backed by top-tier investors including General Catalyst, Index Ventures, Adams Street, Aleph and Entreé Capital. We've raised over $160 million to date, including a $72 million Series C, to expand our impact and scale our mission worldwide.
Requirements:
- 8+ years of progressive HR/People experience at a tech company or high-growth startup in New York City
- 4+ years of people leadership experience
- Demonstrated experience in both a startup environment and a mid-to-large organization; exposure to a startup scaling through growth is a strong plus
- Experience working within a global company and navigating the complexities of a distributed, multi-region workforce
- Proven track record supporting front-line teams directly
- Comfort partnering with and coaching executives at all levels - from early-career managers to seasoned C-suite leaders
- Firsthand experience navigating large-scale organizational change, whether rapid team growth, restructuring, or reduction
- Strong working knowledge of multi-state US employment law
- Exceptional communication skills - able to translate complex people topics into clear, actionable guidance
- Builder's mindset: you design scalable systems while remaining willing to roll up your sleeves
Nice to Have
- SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent HR certification
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms commonly used in scaling companies (e.g., HiBob, JustWorks)
- Experience working closely with growing go-to-market teams within a high growth startup
The salary for this position ranges between $180,000-$200,000. This is decided based on many factors, including but not limited to: skills, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, we are proud to offer stock options in the company and a competitive benefits package.
To support our employees, we offer comprehensive benefits both in and out of the office. These include premium healthcare, comprehensive paid time off, and flexible parental leave. Our bereavement care includes premium access to the Empathy platform and support for employees and their families. We support financial wellness with a company-sponsored 401(k) plan and up to a 4% employer match, along with competitive stock options. With annual retreats, team lunches for our NYC office, and a remote employee stipend, we prioritize spending time together and investing in our people. We hope you will want to join our exceptional team!
In this role you will:
We are looking for a seasoned, hands-on people leader to join our team as Head of People, US. This is a high-impact role that blends strategic leadership with operational execution. You will serve as the senior HR partner for our US and Canada workforce, shaping how we attract, develop, and retain talent while ensuring our people programs run with precision and care.
The ideal candidate has navigated both high-growth startups and scaled organizations - ideally having experienced a company through a meaningful inflection point. You know how to build for today while designing for the future, and you bring the credibility, judgment, and empathy to partner with executives, managers, and front-line employees alike.
What You'll Do
Leadership Responsibilities
- Serve as the US subject matter expert on employment law, partnering closely with external counsel to ensure compliance and minimize risk
- Drive org design and workforce planning to support business growth and evolving team structures
- Lead compensation philosophy reviews, including market benchmarking, salary banding, and compensation program design
- Own culture initiatives, including in-office presence strategy and internal communications that reinforce our values
- Develop and deliver manager enablement programs (e.g., global manager training moments) that build leadership capability across the organization
- Serve as a consulted partner to the Talent team on offer letter approvals, policy changes, headcount decisions, and hiring strategy
- Lead performance management strategy: coaching managers on documentation, navigating difficult conversations, and making exit decisions when necessary
- Manage and develop the existing US/Canada People team, including:
- US/Canada People Operations
- US/Canada People Experience
- Executive Assistant (managing relationship only)
- Payroll (dotted line)
- Talent Acquisition (dotted line)
Execution/Operational Responsibilities
- Oversee end-to-end administration of incentive plans: annual review cycles, communication approach, and signature tracking
- Design, run, and debrief performance review cycles, including question design, manager training, calibration sessions, and reporting on top/bottom performer actions
- Lead the employee engagement survey process: question design, communications, synthesis, and action planning
- Manage employee relations matters and internal investigations with professionalism, discretion, and thoroughness
- Administer accommodation requests in compliance with applicable law
- Oversee benefit selection, evaluation, and renewal processes
- Manage offboarding and exit processes, ensuring a respectful and legally sound experience
- Provide ongoing management coaching to help leaders navigate people challenges
- Prepare materials for global and local People team meetings, including presentations, data summaries, and talking points
Empathy is transforming the way families navigate life’s most difficult times - from the loss of a loved one to other major life transitions. By combining technology with compassionate human care, we bring clarity, comfort, and peace of mind when it matters most.
We partner with leading employers, insurers, and financial institutions to deliver meaningful, human-centric support at scale. Today, Empathy supports over 50 million people across the US, Canada, and the UK.
Backed by top-tier investors including General Catalyst, Index Ventures, Adams Street, Aleph and Entreé Capital. We've raised over $160 million to date, including a $72 million Series C, to expand our impact and scale our mission worldwide.
Requirements:
- 8+ years of progressive HR/People experience at a tech company or high-growth startup in New York City
- 4+ years of people leadership experience
- Demonstrated experience in both a startup environment and a mid-to-large organization; exposure to a startup scaling through growth is a strong plus
- Experience working within a global company and navigating the complexities of a distributed, multi-region workforce
- Proven track record supporting front-line teams directly
- Comfort partnering with and coaching executives at all levels - from early-career managers to seasoned C-suite leaders
- Firsthand experience navigating large-scale organizational change, whether rapid team growth, restructuring, or reduction
- Strong working knowledge of multi-state US employment law
- Exceptional communication skills - able to translate complex people topics into clear, actionable guidance
- Builder's mindset: you design scalable systems while remaining willing to roll up your sleeves
Nice to Have
- SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent HR certification
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms commonly used in scaling companies (e.g., HiBob, JustWorks)
- Experience working closely with growing go-to-market teams within a high growth startup
The salary for this position ranges between $180,000-$200,000. This is decided based on many factors, including but not limited to: skills, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, we are proud to offer stock options in the company and a competitive benefits package.
To support our employees, we offer comprehensive benefits both in and out of the office. These include premium healthcare, comprehensive paid time off, and flexible parental leave. Our bereavement care includes premium access to the Empathy platform and support for employees and their families. We support financial wellness with a company-sponsored 401(k) plan and up to a 4% employer match, along with competitive stock options. With annual retreats, team lunches for our NYC office, and a remote employee stipend, we prioritize spending time together and investing in our people. We hope you will want to join our exceptional team!
In this role you will:
We are looking for a seasoned, hands-on people leader to join our team as Head of People, US. This is a high-impact role that blends strategic leadership with operational execution. You will serve as the senior HR partner for our US and Canada workforce, shaping how we attract, develop, and retain talent while ensuring our people programs run with precision and care.
The ideal candidate has navigated both high-growth startups and scaled organizations - ideally having experienced a company through a meaningful inflection point. You know how to build for today while designing for the future, and you bring the credibility, judgment, and empathy to partner with executives, managers, and front-line employees alike.
What You'll Do
Leadership Responsibilities
- Serve as the US subject matter expert on employment law, partnering closely with external counsel to ensure compliance and minimize risk
- Drive org design and workforce planning to support business growth and evolving team structures
- Lead compensation philosophy reviews, including market benchmarking, salary banding, and compensation program design
- Own culture initiatives, including in-office presence strategy and internal communications that reinforce our values
- Develop and deliver manager enablement programs (e.g., global manager training moments) that build leadership capability across the organization
- Serve as a consulted partner to the Talent team on offer letter approvals, policy changes, headcount decisions, and hiring strategy
- Lead performance management strategy: coaching managers on documentation, navigating difficult conversations, and making exit decisions when necessary
- Manage and develop the existing US/Canada People team, including:
- US/Canada People Operations
- US/Canada People Experience
- Executive Assistant (managing relationship only)
- Payroll (dotted line)
- Talent Acquisition (dotted line)
Execution/Operational Responsibilities
- Oversee end-to-end administration of incentive plans: annual review cycles, communication approach, and signature tracking
- Design, run, and debrief performance review cycles, including question design, manager training, calibration sessions, and reporting on top/bottom performer actions
- Lead the employee engagement survey process: question design, communications, synthesis, and action planning
- Manage employee relations matters and internal investigations with professionalism, discretion, and thoroughness
- Administer accommodation requests in compliance with applicable law
- Oversee benefit selection, evaluation, and renewal processes
- Manage offboarding and exit processes, ensuring a respectful and legally sound experience
- Provide ongoing management coaching to help leaders navigate people challenges
- Prepare materials for global and local People team meetings, including presentations, data summaries, and talking points
See All 12 Head Of People Operations Jobs in New York
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Find JobsHead Of People Operations Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Head Of People Operations Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Agriculture & Farming
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
- Banking & Financial Services
- Investment & Asset Management
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in head of people operations jobs across New York.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, organizational development, or a related business field
- Seven or more years of progressive HR leadership experience, including managing teams
- Demonstrated experience designing and scaling talent acquisition and retention programs
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or similar systems
- PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred by most New York employers
- Strong knowledge of New York State labor law, paid leave requirements, and WARN Act compliance
Head Of People Operations Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a head of people operations in New York?
Most head of people operations roles in New York require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, followed by several years of progressive HR experience culminating in a people management role. There is no state-issued license required, but earning a SHRM-SCP or SPHR credential through the Society for Human Resource Management or HR Certification Institute is a recognized signal of readiness for senior roles in the New York market.
How much do head of people operationses make in New York?
Head of people operationses in New York earn a median of about $176,650 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,380 for the lowest 10% to over $321,880 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire head of people operationss in New York?
Employers hiring head of people operationss in New York right now include Citi, POSH, and adonis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. New York's dense concentration of financial institutions, global media companies, and large healthcare systems means demand for senior people operations leadership remains consistent throughout the year.
Which New York cities have the most head of people operations jobs?
New York, Buffalo, and East Aurora are the cities with the most head of people operations openings in New York. New York City dominates because it hosts the headquarters and major regional offices of the financial, technology, and media sectors that employ the largest people operations teams, while Albany and Buffalo contribute openings through state government agencies, healthcare networks, and regional corporate offices.
Are there remote head of people operations jobs in New York?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 60% of head of people operations openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that much of the strategic, analytical, and program-design work in this role can be done off-site. Functions most commonly offered remotely include HR systems administration, talent analytics, and policy development, while employee relations and onboarding coordination tend to require at least partial on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a head of people operations in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is starting as an HR coordinator or HR generalist at a mid-size New York company and building toward a manager role over two to three years. Large New York employers such as hospital systems like NewYork-Presbyterian and financial institutions like Goldman Sachs run structured HR development programs for early-career professionals. A SHRM-CP certification, experience with an HRIS platform, and exposure to employee relations or recruiting gives candidates a clear edge when moving into operations leadership.
Where can I find and apply to head of people operations jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to head of people operations jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current New York openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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