Head Of People Operations Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Head of People Operations roles attract H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship from mid-size and enterprise employers, particularly in tech and healthcare. Most require a bachelor's degree in HR, business, or organizational psychology, with senior experience typically substituting for advanced credentials. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout the Team:
The Head of HR Shared Services leads Wayfair’s Employee Resource Center (ERC). The team is central to our Talent team’s transformation from a decentralized model to a tiered service delivery model. This evolution aims to deliver significant improvements in service quality, customer satisfaction, compliance, and efficiency across Wayfair. The ERC focuses on streamlining processes, enhancing service quality through centralization and automation, managing an offshore program, and leveraging technology like GenAI to drive excellent operations and employee experience.
About the Role:
This is a critical global role based in Boston, responsible for leading the ERC team and driving the ongoing transformation of Wayfair's HR service delivery. You will oversee a global team and be responsible for setting the strategic direction, managing operations, and ensuring the successful implementation of key initiatives like knowledge management and the application of generative and agentic AI to talent processes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience and driving operational excellence within the Talent organization.
What You'll Do:
Strategic Leadership: Lead the transformation to a tiered service delivery model, setting the vision and strategy to enhance quality, compliance, and efficiency.
Enterprise Leadership Partnership: Develop strong, collaborative working relationships with Talent and Enterprise leadership team including the CPO and CFO to understand needs, align on priorities, and jointly drive a strategic agenda for HR service delivery transformation and operations.
Operational Management: Oversee the operations of the global ERC team, ensuring consistent service delivery and achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to service levels (SLAs), time-to-resolution (TTR), and customer satisfaction (NPS).
Process Improvement & Centralization: Drive the continuous improvement, standardization, and centralization of Talent processes into the ERC, identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency gains. Oversee the absorption of additional Talent workstreams.
Tech Innovation: Thinking AI-first, lead the strategy and implementation of new technologies, including generative and agentic AI. Have a strong handle on evolving options in the market, lead RFPs and evaluate options, decide whether to build vs. buy, and ultimately implement AI-driven solutions, ensuring accuracy, strong customer experience, compliance and security. Additionally, work with the Tech team to optimize our Workday configuration, and ensure strong knowledge management and ticketing functionality.
Team Leadership & Development: Manage and develop a global team of Talent Ops professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer focus.
Vendor & Offshore Management: Oversee relationships with external vendors, including the offshore service provider (OSL), ensuring performance standards are met, and scale the program effectively.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with leaders across Talent (including HRIS, Total Rewards, Talent Business Partners), Tech, Finance, and other departments to align on priorities, manage dependencies, and ensure successful execution of ERC initiatives.
Reporting & Analytics: Oversee the development and automation of operational and customer experience reporting and capacity modeling to track performance, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions. Ensure key metrics are centralized and accessible.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with ERC operations and strategic initiatives, particularly concerning technology dependencies and implementation complexities.
What You'll Need:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
Significant experience (typically 15+ years) in HR operations, shared services, or a similar environment.
Proven track record of leading large-scale transformations and process improvement initiatives within an HR or other business function.
Strong understanding of HR service delivery models, technologies (including HRIS like Workday, case management like ServiceNow, and AI/Chatbots), and best practices.
Experience using AI to drive improved outcomes and greater efficiency.
Demonstrated experience in managing successful vendor relationships, including offshore partners.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
Strong project management and change management skills.
Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities.
10+ years of experience leading large global teams (40+) and experience leading managers.
Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
Wayfair is fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. As part of this commitment, Wayfair will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on business operations. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know by completing our Accomodations for Applicants form.
Need Technical Assistance?
For more information about applying for a career at wayfair, visit our FAQ page here.
About Wayfair Inc.
Wayfair is one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home. Whether you work in our global headquarters in Boston, or in our warehouses or offices throughout the world, we’re reinventing the way people shop for their homes. Through our commitment to industry-leading technology and creative problem-solving, we are confident that Wayfair will be home to the most rewarding work of your career. If you’re looking for rapid growth, constant learning, and dynamic challenges, then you’ll find that amazing career opportunities are knocking.
No matter who you are, Wayfair is a place you can call home. We’re a community of innovators, risk-takers, and trailblazers who celebrate our differences, and know that our unique perspectives make us stronger, smarter, and well-positioned for success. We value and rely on the collective voices of our employees, customers, community, and suppliers to help guide us as we build a better Wayfair – and world – for all. Every voice, every perspective matters. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Your personal data is processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice. If you have any questions or wish to exercise your rights under applicable privacy and data protection laws, please contact us at dataprotectionofficer@wayfair.com.
About the Team:
The Head of HR Shared Services leads Wayfair’s Employee Resource Center (ERC). The team is central to our Talent team’s transformation from a decentralized model to a tiered service delivery model. This evolution aims to deliver significant improvements in service quality, customer satisfaction, compliance, and efficiency across Wayfair. The ERC focuses on streamlining processes, enhancing service quality through centralization and automation, managing an offshore program, and leveraging technology like GenAI to drive excellent operations and employee experience.
About the Role:
This is a critical global role based in Boston, responsible for leading the ERC team and driving the ongoing transformation of Wayfair's HR service delivery. You will oversee a global team and be responsible for setting the strategic direction, managing operations, and ensuring the successful implementation of key initiatives like knowledge management and the application of generative and agentic AI to talent processes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience and driving operational excellence within the Talent organization.
What You'll Do:
Strategic Leadership: Lead the transformation to a tiered service delivery model, setting the vision and strategy to enhance quality, compliance, and efficiency.
Enterprise Leadership Partnership: Develop strong, collaborative working relationships with Talent and Enterprise leadership team including the CPO and CFO to understand needs, align on priorities, and jointly drive a strategic agenda for HR service delivery transformation and operations.
Operational Management: Oversee the operations of the global ERC team, ensuring consistent service delivery and achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to service levels (SLAs), time-to-resolution (TTR), and customer satisfaction (NPS).
Process Improvement & Centralization: Drive the continuous improvement, standardization, and centralization of Talent processes into the ERC, identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency gains. Oversee the absorption of additional Talent workstreams.
Tech Innovation: Thinking AI-first, lead the strategy and implementation of new technologies, including generative and agentic AI. Have a strong handle on evolving options in the market, lead RFPs and evaluate options, decide whether to build vs. buy, and ultimately implement AI-driven solutions, ensuring accuracy, strong customer experience, compliance and security. Additionally, work with the Tech team to optimize our Workday configuration, and ensure strong knowledge management and ticketing functionality.
Team Leadership & Development: Manage and develop a global team of Talent Ops professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer focus.
Vendor & Offshore Management: Oversee relationships with external vendors, including the offshore service provider (OSL), ensuring performance standards are met, and scale the program effectively.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with leaders across Talent (including HRIS, Total Rewards, Talent Business Partners), Tech, Finance, and other departments to align on priorities, manage dependencies, and ensure successful execution of ERC initiatives.
Reporting & Analytics: Oversee the development and automation of operational and customer experience reporting and capacity modeling to track performance, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions. Ensure key metrics are centralized and accessible.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with ERC operations and strategic initiatives, particularly concerning technology dependencies and implementation complexities.
What You'll Need:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
Significant experience (typically 15+ years) in HR operations, shared services, or a similar environment.
Proven track record of leading large-scale transformations and process improvement initiatives within an HR or other business function.
Strong understanding of HR service delivery models, technologies (including HRIS like Workday, case management like ServiceNow, and AI/Chatbots), and best practices.
Experience using AI to drive improved outcomes and greater efficiency.
Demonstrated experience in managing successful vendor relationships, including offshore partners.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
Strong project management and change management skills.
Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities.
10+ years of experience leading large global teams (40+) and experience leading managers.
Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
Wayfair is fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. As part of this commitment, Wayfair will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on business operations. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know by completing our Accomodations for Applicants form.
Need Technical Assistance?
For more information about applying for a career at wayfair, visit our FAQ page here.
About Wayfair Inc.
Wayfair is one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home. Whether you work in our global headquarters in Boston, or in our warehouses or offices throughout the world, we’re reinventing the way people shop for their homes. Through our commitment to industry-leading technology and creative problem-solving, we are confident that Wayfair will be home to the most rewarding work of your career. If you’re looking for rapid growth, constant learning, and dynamic challenges, then you’ll find that amazing career opportunities are knocking.
No matter who you are, Wayfair is a place you can call home. We’re a community of innovators, risk-takers, and trailblazers who celebrate our differences, and know that our unique perspectives make us stronger, smarter, and well-positioned for success. We value and rely on the collective voices of our employees, customers, community, and suppliers to help guide us as we build a better Wayfair – and world – for all. Every voice, every perspective matters. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Your personal data is processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice. If you have any questions or wish to exercise your rights under applicable privacy and data protection laws, please contact us at dataprotectionofficer@wayfair.com.
See all 193+ Head Of People Operations Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Head Of People Operations roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Head Of People Operations Jobs
Target employers with 500+ employees
Larger companies have dedicated HR infrastructure and legal budgets to support H-1B sponsorship. Mid-size and enterprise firms in tech, healthcare, and professional services sponsor People Operations leaders far more consistently than startups or small businesses.
Emphasize your specialty occupation credentials
USCIS scrutinizes HR leadership roles for specialty occupation status. A bachelor's or master's degree in human resources, organizational psychology, or business administration strengthens your petition considerably. Generalist credentials with no field-specific degree invite RFEs.
Document your strategic scope, not just day-to-day tasks
H-1B approvals for People Operations heads hinge on demonstrating that the role requires specialized degree-level knowledge. Offer letters and support letters should highlight workforce strategy, organizational design, and executive-level HR functions, not administrative tasks.
Ask about cap-exempt employer options
Universities, nonprofits affiliated with higher education, and qualifying research institutions are cap-exempt H-1B employers. People Operations roles exist at these organizations, and cap-exempt petitions can be filed year-round without lottery risk.
Explore O-1A if you have a strong professional record
If you've built HR programs that earned industry recognition, spoken at conferences, held board or advisory roles, or published thought leadership, the O-1A visa for extraordinary ability bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely and is employer-sponsored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Head of People Operations role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but approval depends on how the role is defined. USCIS requires that the position qualify as a specialty occupation, meaning it normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Head of People Operations roles supported by a degree in human resources, organizational psychology, or business administration are generally approvable. Vaguely defined HR generalist roles without a specific degree requirement are more likely to receive a Request for Evidence.
Does my degree field matter for H-1B sponsorship in this role?
It matters significantly. USCIS evaluates whether your degree directly relates to the duties of the role. A degree in human resources, industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior, or business administration aligns well with a Head of People Operations position. A degree in an unrelated field, even at the graduate level, can complicate the petition. Your employer's immigration attorney will typically advise on how to frame the degree-to-role connection in the H-1B visa support letter.
How do I find employers sponsoring Head of People Operations roles?
Migrate Mate is the most targeted way to find People Operations leadership roles where employers are actively open to visa sponsorship. Filtering by role seniority and sponsorship willingness saves significant time compared to broad job searches that rarely surface this detail upfront. Focusing on tech companies, healthcare systems, and professional services firms also improves your odds, as these industries sponsor at higher rates.
Are there visa options if I don't win the H-1B lottery?
Yes. If your employer is a university, nonprofit affiliated with higher education, or qualifying research organization, they can file a cap-exempt H-1B petition without lottery participation. Separately, if you have documented recognition in your field, the O-1A visa is a lottery-free alternative. Australian citizens may also qualify for the E-3 visa. TN visa status covers Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying management and professional categories, though People Operations leadership roles require careful review against TN's defined profession list.
Will sponsoring a Head of People Operations role trigger extra scrutiny from USCIS?
HR and people leadership roles receive more scrutiny than technical roles because USCIS has historically questioned whether they meet the specialty occupation standard. Approval rates improve when the employer's support letter demonstrates that the role requires and actually uses specialized HR knowledge at a strategic level, the job description avoids administrative task language, and the petitioner holds a directly relevant degree. Working with an experienced immigration attorney on the petition drafts meaningfully reduces RFE risk.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Head Of People Operations jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.