Sr. Manager / Director of People Operations and Talent

About Datavations 

Datavations is a leading New York-based data and AI software specializing in the $2.3 trillion dollar building materials industry. Our platform, powered by advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, provides manufacturers with a data-driven approach to better service customers and grow their relationships with key accounts. By simplifying massive datasets into actionable business insight, we help businesses make data-driven decisions to optimize pricing, inventory, and product assortment. 

Our values 

• We value execution: momentum is everything 
• Belief in the power of positivity: we are encouraging and take risks 
• Proactive ownership: we are passionate about driving financial value with creative data product 
• Foster collaboration: we welcome help and always extend a helping hand, internally and externally 

As the Senior Manager / Director of People Operations & Talent, you will play a pivotal role in attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent while shaping the employee experience and scaling our people infrastructure.

You’ll own and operationalize core HR and recruiting processes, coach leaders across the business, and ensure we’re building a high-performing, compliant, and inclusive workplace. Experience in a SaaS startup environment is key for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities
Recruitment

• Own the full recruitment lifecycle (3–5 roles at a time) from sourcing to onboarding, ensuring an inclusive and engaging candidate experience
• Partner with hiring managers and Operations to forecast staffing needs and build effective recruiting strategies for technical and non-technical roles
• Utilize diverse sourcing methods and track metrics for communication, outreach, and pipeline performance
• Conduct initial interviews, assess technical and cultural fit, and coordinate a seamless interview process
• Manage candidate communications and ATS data integrity (Greenhouse)
• Contribute to employer branding and recruitment marketing initiatives to position Datavations as an employer of choice

People Operations & HR Infrastructure

• Design and implement scalable HR systems, policies, and processes across the employee lifecycle (onboarding, offboarding, benefits, etc.)
• Manage HR technology, including Justworks (PEO) and Greenhouse (ATS)
• Track and analyze HR metrics to inform decisions on hiring, retention, and engagement
• Partner with Finance on compensation plans, structures, and budgeting
• Provide guidance on benefits, ensuring employees understand and can access available resources

Employee Experience

• Lead onboarding and offboarding programs to ensure smooth transitions and sustained engagement
• Drive internal communications, team culture initiatives, and NYC-based events that foster collaboration and connection
• Act as a trusted point of contact for employee questions and issues, providing thoughtful, timely support
• Use insights from engagement data to recommend actions that improve the employee experience

Manager Coaching & Performance

• Equip managers with tools and training to lead effectively and support career development
• Manage performance review cycles, goal setting, and feedback frameworks
• Champion a culture of continuous feedback and performance enablement
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Maintain policies, procedures, and employee handbooks
• Manage employee records, leave tracking, and state-based compliance
• Partner with Finance and Legal on payroll, equity, and compliance needs

Performance & Total Rewards

Performance Management

• Lead and evolve performance review processes to align with company goals
• Support career development and learning initiatives to help employees grow

Compensation Programs

• Partner with leadership to manage compensation reviews and promotion cycles
• Maintain benchmarking data to ensure internal equity and market competitiveness
• Support role leveling, salary bands, and equity program administration in partnership with Finance and Legal

Benefits Administration

• Oversee benefits operations (health, dental, vision, 401k, life/disability, wellness programs)
• Manage vendor relationships and lead open enrollment and benefits education
• Monitor utilization and employee feedback to continually enhance offerings

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of progressive People Operations or Talent experience, including at least 2+ years in recruiting within a startup or SaaS environment
• Strong understanding of HR best practices, compliance, and multi-state employment laws
• Experience managing HR systems (Justworks, Greenhouse, or similar)
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• High integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
• Experience with compensation planning and benefits administration
• Comfortable being both strategic and hands-on—you’ll be joining a lean team of two
• Hybrid from our NYC office or based fully remote

Compensation 

The base salary average range for this role is $130-150,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, and alignment with the role’s responsibilities. Total compensation may also include equity, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package.

We’re committed to paying competitively and equitably, and we regularly review our compensation structures to ensure they align with the market and support our values