Vice President, Global People Operations

Location: USA (any state)Reports to: President & COOTeam: ~20 globallyAbout AthenaAthena is a 4,000-employee, multi-country organization generating approximately $100M in annual revenue and continuing to grow.As we've scaled, our people systems and processes have not kept pace with our global footprint. Historically, HR ownership was distributed across multiple executives - payroll and compensation under Finance, talent processes under Operations, and HR systems under Technology.We are now consolidating People Operations under a single leader to modernize our infrastructure, unify governance, and build a scalable employee lifecycle experience.This is a rare opportunity to step into VP-level scope and architect a global People Operations function at scale.The OpportunityWe are seeking a high-impact, systems-oriented People leader - likely at the Director or Senior Director level today - who is ready to step into enterprise VP scope.You will lead a global team of approximately 20 and own the operational backbone of the employee lifecycle across multiple countries.This role does not oversee Talent Acquisition or Learning & Development. Instead, it focuses on:People Operations strategy & governanceCompensation and organizational design infrastructureWorkforce planning and analyticsHR systems (including WorkDay optimization)Global process standardizationEnd-to-end employee lifecycle executionIf you are energized by building structure, modernizing systems, and scaling operational excellence - this role is for you.What You Will DoLead Global People OperationsConsolidate and unify People Operations under a clear modelDefine KPIs, dashboards, and executive reportingEstablish governance, standards, and accountability across regionsLead and develop a 25-person global team located primarily in the Philippines, Kenya, and GuatemalaModernize InfrastructureOptimize and expand WorkDay adoptionEnsure clean data architecture and reporting rigorIdentify automation opportunities and eliminate inefficienciesBuild scalable, repeatable processesElevate Compensation & Org DesignStandardize global leveling frameworksRenovate compensation structures and pay architectureImprove span-of-control discipline and org modelingPartner with Finance on workforce planning alignmentStrengthen the Employee LifecycleRedesign onboarding and offboarding processesStandardize performance management governanceInstitutionalize succession planning infrastructureLead engagement measurement and action planningEnsure consistent employee experience across countriesWhat Success Looks Like (First 18 Months)A unified and clearly defined global People Operations modelStabilized and optimized WorkDay ecosystemStandardized compensation and leveling architectureEmbedded workforce planning disciplineClear, measurable People Operations KPIsImproved operational efficiency and employee experience metricsWhat We're Looking ForExperience10-15+ years progressive HR / People Operations leadershipCurrently Director or Senior Director (or equivalent) in a global organizationExperience leading HR Operations, Total Rewards, or People InfrastructureDirect experience with enterprise HRIS implementation (WorkDay preferred)Compensation architecture and org design exposureExperience managing multi-country processesCapabilitiesSystems thinker who builds scalable infrastructureStrong financial and workforce planning acumenData-driven and analytically rigorousExperienced people leader comfortable managing distributed teamsStrong cross-functional partner with Finance and TechnologyBuilder mindset - comfortable operating in evolving environmentsWhy This Role Is CompellingTrue VP scope with enterprise visibilityLead a global team of ~20Opportunity to build - not inherit - a mature systemDirect exposure to executive leadershipChance to modernize People Operations for a 4,000-person organizationThis is an opportunity to move from functional leadership into enterprise impact.