Head of People Operations

Runpod is the foundational platform for developers to build and run custom AI systems that scale. With over 500,000 developers worldwide and an annual recurring revenue run rate exceeding $120M, Runpod operates at the intersection of developer velocity and production-scale AI. Founded in 2022, we’ve grown rapidly by building infrastructure purpose-built for modern AI workloads. Our platform enables teams to move from experimentation to deployment with flexibility across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments. As a remote-first, globally distributed company, we are building the infrastructure layer that powers the next generation of AI systems.

The Head of People Ops will lead a small but high-impact People team that serves as a critical partner to leadership and employees across the company supporting day-to-day employee needs and scaling the organization. This person will report directly into our COO and serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team and drive People strategy and systems across the organization.

Responsibilities:

Strategic People Leadership

Serve as a strategic partner to the COO and executive team on people strategy and organizational design

Support executives in scaling teams, refining organizational structures, and strengthening leadership capabilities

Lead change management to ensure smooth transitions and transformation during growth

Align HR initiatives directly with business objectives, ensuring people strategy drives business results

Design company-wide people programs and frameworks (performance management, compensation, career development)

People Operations & Infrastructure

Own and optimize people operations systems, processes, and technology stack (HRIS, benefits platforms, compliance tools)

Collaborate with the Director of Talent Acquisition, who owns recruiting execution, to align hiring strategy, headcount planning, and operational scalability

Build and manage operational infrastructure including benefits strategy, vendor relationships, and compliance

Manage people operations budget including headcount, benefits, tools, and programs

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all locations

Design compensation and rewards structures that are competitive and equitable

Administer performance management systems that encourage accountability and excellence

Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and support a small but impactful People team

Provide clear direction while empowering team members to own their areas of expertise

Set strategic direction for how the People team operates and delivers value

Build additional people operations capability as the company scales

Culture & Employee Experience Strategy

Set strategic direction for culture, engagement, and employee experience

Partner with Director, HRBP to ensure consistent implementation across all business functions

Foster an environment where employees feel engaged, supported, and motivated to grow

Requirements:

8+ years of progressive HR/People experience, including direct ownership of HR strategy and operations in a high-growth tech or startup environment

Proven experience building and managing people operations teams

Proven ability to design scalable people systems and infrastructure while also being hands-on with operational needs

Experience advising and influencing executives at C-suite level

Strong knowledge of HR compliance, employment law, and global workforce planning

Deep expertise in HRIS systems, benefits design, and people operations

Data-driven approach to decision-making with experience using HR metrics to guide strategy

Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Successful completion of a background check

What You’ll Receive:

The competitive base pay for this position ranges from 200k-250k usd. This salary range may be inclusive of several career levels at Runpod and will be narrowed during the interview process based on a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location

Meaningful equity in a fast-growing company- everyone on the team receives stock options — your impact drives our growth, and you share in the upside.

Generous medical, dental & vision plans — we cover 100% for all employees and partial for dependents.

Flexible PTO- take the time you need to recharge

Most roles are remote work first with an inclusive, collaborative teams utilizing slack as the main form of internal communication

Join a passionate team on the cutting edge of AI infrastructure — where culture, learning, and ownership are at the heart of how we scale.

$1,200 Home Office & Equipment Stipend- We set you up for success from day one with gear and support to create your ideal workspace

Runpod is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and upholding the principles of equality and respect for all individuals. We believe that diversity in all its forms enhances our team. As an equal opportunity employer, Runpod is committed to creating an inclusive workforce at every level. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We welcome every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States; however, we are currently unable to sponsor employment visas