VP of People Operations

Mission

The VP of People mission is to strategically lead and develop the People department, ensuring alignment between human resources initiatives and the company's overarching business objectives. This role requires deep expertise in HR leadership, strong business acumen, and the ability to drive organizational growth while fostering a high-performance culture.

Success in this role depends on extensive experience in people management at a senior level, the ability to influence key stakeholders, and a strategic mindset that balances long-term planning with agile decision-making to support Trafilea’s continued success.

General Accountabilities

1. Leadership of the People Department: Provide guidance and support to HR professionals to ensure alignment with the company’s goals.

2. Talent Acquisition and Retention: Design and implement effective talent acquisition and retention strategies to attract and retain top talent.

3. Performance Management Programs: Develop and execute performance management strategies to drive employee engagement and productivity.

4. Learning & Development: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement learning and development initiatives.

5. Compliance & Employment Laws: Ensure adherence to all employment laws and regulations across the company.

6. Compensation & Benefits: Oversee compensation and benefits programs to maintain competitive and equitable offerings.

7. Diversity & Inclusion: Partner with leadership to develop and implement initiatives that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.

8. Organizational Design & Change Management: Provide strategic guidance on organizational structure and lead change management initiatives.

9. Employee Experience & Engagement: Implement strategies to enhance employee experience, engagement, and satisfaction.

10. Strategic Workforce Planning: Anticipate future workforce needs and align HR strategies with business growth.

11. HR Technology & Analytics: Leverage HR systems and data analytics to optimize HR processes and decision-making.

12. Cultural Development: Champion and reinforce company culture and values through HR programs and leadership.

Expected Outcomes for Initial 30-60-90 Days

First 30 Days

• Complete 100% of the defined onboarding process for the role.

• Gain a deep understanding of Trafilea’s business, products, and competitive landscape.

• Understand the structure and key stakeholders of the People Operations team.

• Familiarize with Trafilea’s operational framework, routines, and planning methodologies.

• Review and assess the current People strategy, policies, and key initiatives.

• Establish strong relationships with executive leadership and department heads.

• Begin conducting regular meetings with team leads and division leaders.

• Identify immediate HR priorities and draft an action plan to address them.

First 60 Days

• Conduct an in-depth analysis of team structures, workforce planning, and working methodologies.

• Evaluate and optimize performance management processes, including talent calibration and succession planning.

• Develop and implement strategies to address feedback from employee engagement surveys.

• Strengthen collaboration with Learning & Development to co-own training programs and leadership development initiatives.

• Review and refine the hiring process, ensuring alignment with company growth plans and talent needs.

First 120 Days

• Address and correct major gaps in leadership behaviors and team alignment with the Trafilea operational framework.

• Implement a solid HR structure with clear responsibilities and an efficient escalation system.

• Ensure high-performing teams and optimized workforce planning through collaboration with Process Specialists and Project Managers.

• Establish and embed long-term people strategies that align with business growth and sustainability goals.

Role-Related Competencies & Requirements

• HR Leadership Experience: 10+ years of HR leadership experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments - MANDATORY.

• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Proven ability to align HR strategies with business objectives and drive organizational success. Understanding of Marketing and how our business operates and grow. 

• Talent Management & Workforce Planning: Strong background in performance management, succession planning, and workforce strategy.

• Change Management & Organizational Design: Experience leading large-scale change management initiatives.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Track record of developing and implementing DEI strategies.

• Strong Communication & Stakeholder Influence: Ability to build relationships and influence at all levels of the organization.

• HR Compliance & Risk Management: Expertise in employment laws and HR best practices.

• Experience with HR Technology & Data Analytics: Ability to leverage HR systems and insights for strategic decision-making.

• Project & Process Management: Certified project management experience or willingness to enroll in a 4-month asynchronous PM training paid by the company - MANDATORY.

• Fluency in English: Strong oral and written communication skills in English, with at least one year of professional experience using English daily.

• Agility & Proactivity: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and proactively drive initiatives.

• Culture & Employee Experience Advocacy: Passion for building a thriving workplace and championing company values.

• Detail-Oriented & Execution-Driven: Strong follow-through, process orientation, and ability to drive results.

This role requires a forward-thinking, people-centric leader who can drive HR transformation, enable business growth, and create an outstanding employee experience at Trafilea.

Trafilea is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior People Director to join our dynamic People department. As the Senior People Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping and driving our people strategy to support our rapid growth and ensure a positive employee experience

ACCOUNTABILITIES (general responsibilities)

• Lead and develop the People department, providing guidance and support to a team of HR professionals.

• Design and implement effective talent acquisition and retention strategies to attract and retain top talent.

• Develop and execute performance management programs to drive employee engagement and productivity.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement learning and development initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations.

• Oversee the compensation and benefits programs to ensure competitive and equitable offerings.

• Partner with leadership to develop and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives.

• Provide strategic guidance on organizational design and change management initiatives.

ROLE RELATED COMPETENCIES

• Proven experience as a HR leader, preferably in a fast-paced and high-growth environment.

• Strong knowledge of HR best practices and employment laws.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to align HR initiatives with business objectives.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field; Master's degree preferred.