D-Wave Systems

Head of Global HR Operations

D-Wave Systems$150K — $180K *
Business Services
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred.
  • 12+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years leading global HR Operations.
  • Proven success in building and scaling global HR operating models in high-growth environments.
  • Deep expertise in global HR operations, compliance, governance, and HR technology.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading HR technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Experience managing enterprise HR technology portfolios and operational budgets.
  • Experience in technology or high-growth organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the global HR Operations strategy aligned with business priorities.
  • Evolve HR operating model and service delivery for a growing global workforce.
  • Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across HR processes.
  • Own the HR technology ecosystem roadmap and drive automation and AI adoption.
  • Lead global employee lifecycle operations including onboarding and offboarding.
  • Ensure compliant HR operations globally through strong partnerships with legal and finance teams.
  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing global HR Operations team.

Benefits

  • Company ownership and competitive pay.
  • A range of meaningful benefits supporting a culture of excellence and innovation.
  • Emphasis on a collaborative and diverse workplace that values different perspectives.
  • Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
  • Engagement in a mission-driven organization that fosters accountability and creativity.
Full Job Description
About the role

The Head of Global HR Operations will lead the evolution of the Company's global HR operating model, ensuring HR operations, technology, governance, and service delivery scale effectively as the business grows globally.

Building on a strong foundation, this leader will modernize HR through technology, process simplification, strong governance, and operational excellence, delivering a seamless employee experience across the global workforce.

As a member of the HR Leadership Team, you will partner closely with HR, Finance, Legal, IT, Payroll, and business leaders to align HR operations, technology, and service delivery with enterprise priorities.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic thinking and execution. The successful candidate will be an experienced builder who has led HR operations at scale and can pragmatically implement leading practices in a lean, high-growth environment.

What you'll do

Advance the Global HR Operating Model

  • Define and execute the global HR Operations strategy aligned with business priorities.
  • Evolve the HR operating model, governance, and service delivery to support a growing global workforce.
  • Lead operational readiness for global expansion, acquisitions, reorganizations, and other strategic initiatives.
  • Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and operational excellence across HR.


Lead HR Technology & Operations

  • Own the roadmap for the HR technology ecosystem, including HRIS and supporting platforms.
  • Drive automation, AI adoption, self-service, and process improvements that enhance efficiency and employee experience.
  • Partner with IT, Finance, and Payroll to deliver integrated systems, reliable people data, and actionable analytics.
  • Ensure strong governance of HR systems, employee data, reporting, security, and compliance.


Deliver Exceptional Employee Services

  • Lead global employee lifecycle operations, including onboarding, internal mobility, immigration, leaves, relocations, and offboarding.
  • Standardize global processes while ensuring compliance with local employment requirements.
  • Continuously improve HR service delivery for employees and managers.


Strengthen Governance & Enterprise Execution

  • Ensure compliant HR operations globally through strong partnerships with Legal, Finance, Payroll, IT, Security, and external providers.
  • Maintain audit readiness, operational controls, and oversight of HR data and transactions.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness and champion the responsible use of AI across HR.


Build a High-Performing Team

  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing global HR Operations team.
  • Establish clear priorities, service standards, metrics, and accountability.
  • Balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution to deliver measurable business outcomes.


About You

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred.
  • 12+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years leading global HR Operations, HR technology, HRIS, or shared services in complex multinational organizations.
  • Proven success building and scaling global HR operating models and transforming HR service delivery in high-growth environments.
  • Deep expertise in global HR operations, compliance, governance, workforce administration, data privacy, and HR technology.
  • Demonstrated experience leading HR technology strategy, HRIS modernization, automation, AI, and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Experience leading global teams and supporting employees across multiple countries and employment models.
  • Strong executive partnership and influence across HR, IT, Finance, Legal, Payroll, and business leaders.
  • Experience managing enterprise HR technology portfolios, strategic vendors, and operational budgets.
  • Experience supporting global expansion, acquisitions, organizational change, or business transformation is preferred.
  • Experience in technology, software, deep tech, or other high-growth global organizations is preferred.


A D-Waver's DNA

  • We look at the future and say "why not"; we see possibilities where others see problems or routines. We show the way ahead and are committed to achieving ambitious goals.
  • We practice straight talk and listen generously to each other with empathy. We value different opinions and points of views. We ensure that we connect outside as well as inside to learn from others and inspire each other.
  • We hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. We make decisions & take responsibility so that we can act & support each other.
  • As leaders we motivate & engage our teams to undertake beyond what they originally thought possible, by developing our teams & creating the conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling & coaching.

Our Compensation Philosophy is Simple but Powerful:

We believe providing D-Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they've got - not because they're simply making money, but because they've fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team.

During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, equity, bonus, perks, benefit, culture) offerings. The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within this level.

Inclusion:

We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation in our pursuit. Our employees range from distinguished domain experts with decades of experience in their respective fields, to bright and motivated graduates eager to make their mark. Our diverse and innovative team will make you feel appreciated, supported and empower your career growth at D-Wave.

About D-Wave Systems

D-Wave Systems is a quantum computing company that designs and manufactures quantum computers and provides quantum computing services. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. D-Wave's quantum computers are used by government, commercial, and academic customers to solve complex problems in fields such as optimization, machine learning, and cybersecurity. The company's flagship product is the D-Wave 2000Q, a 2048-qubit quantum computer. D-Wave has raised over $200 million in funding from investors including Goldman Sachs and Bezos Expeditions.
Learn more about D-Wave Systems
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
1999

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