SVP, People & Culture Operations

SGS & Co is a brand impact group. We're built for agility and inventiveness, to enable our clients to get there first. Fuelled by two connected specialist teams, Marks and SGS, we empower acceleration on a global scale, bringing the world's biggest brands to life.

We are both a brand design and experience agency & a production powerhouse, built for brands to access top multi-discipline talent. We provide our client-partners with a holistic service operating as an extension of their design, marketing, and supply-chain teams. Our approach combines provocative thinking with optimization programs designed to disrupt and drive results. Culture fuels our everyday work with a diverse group of 5300+ across 6 continents with global expertise in strategy, creative, design, content creation, eComm, production and print management.

Position Summary

The Sr. Vice President, People & Culture Operations is a strategic leader responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive Global programs in the P&C operations space. This includes benefits, payroll, compensation, talent architecture, human capital systems and data management. The role is also responsible for all our global people processes and policies and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. This role serves as a key member of the P&C leadership team, driving innovative solutions to attract, retain, and reward top talent.

Location: U.S or Canada (Hybrid or Remote)

Essential Responsibilities

Global Compensation

• Oversee the organization's compensation philosophy, ensuring alignment with business goals and market competitiveness.
• Strategically lead the design, implementation, and optimization of base pay, incentive, and recognition programs to attract, retain, and motivate top talent while supporting organizational objectives.
• Develop strategy and drive implementation of comprehensive market analysis and benchmarking strategies to ensure competitive and equitable salary structures and pay practices.
• Partner with leadership to develop performance-driven compensation strategies that align with organizational goals, incentivize excellence, and drive sustainable business growth.
• Strategically design and oversee executive compensation plans, including short term incentive and sales plans to align with organizational performance and long-term goals.
• Lead the development and presentation of executive compensation reports, providing strategic insights and ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance, while collaborating directly with the executive team.

Global Benefits

• Oversee the design, delivery, and administration of global employee benefits programs, including health and wellness, retirement, and ancillary benefits.
• Strategically evaluate and recommend innovative benefits offerings to strengthen the employee value proposition and enhance the overall employee experience. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA).
• Lead the benefits function by supporting partnering with brokers, carriers, and vendors to negotiate contracts that drive cost efficiency and ensure the delivery of high-quality offerings aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead a benefits and investment committee to ensure agreement across the organization on key benefits (financial and wellness) and to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance.

Global Payroll

• Oversee global payroll strategy, operations, and compliance for all employees.
• Strategically oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll, including taxes, benefits deductions, and reporting, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and compliance requirements.
• Drive operational excellence by leveraging technology and automation to streamline payroll processes, continuously improving efficiency, accuracy, and scalability in alignment with organizational goals.

Global HR Systems & HR Operations

• Lead HR operations functions, including the Centralized Data Center to ensure data accuracy to strategically develop data-driven insights to optimize processes, enhance decision-making, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Implement and manage all P & C systems that support programs and enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and monitor metrics to measure the success and impact of business strategies.
• Strategically ensure that all programs are effectively communicated to employees and leadership, aligning messaging with organizational goals to drive engagement, retention, and performance.

Educational & Experience Minimum Requirements

This position requires the following knowledge and skills:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCP, CEBS, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in HR Operations, including leadership roles in compensation, benefits, and payroll.
• Experience with executive compensation design and working with Boards or Compensation Committees.
• Expertise developing compensation programs, including sales and management incentive programs.
• Expertise in managing complex global payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing compensation, benefits, and payroll.

Competency Requirements

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align total rewards initiatives with organizational goals.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a focus on developing high-performing teams.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with experience in budgeting and financial modeling.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Experience leveraging HR technology and data analytics to enhance program effectiveness.

Travel Requirements

This is a global role, and therefore is expected to include travel a few times a year to international locations.

This is a remote position in the US. We are open to candidates in various states, with the exception of those residing in the following: AK, DC, DE, ME, NH, NM, OK, HI, MS, MT, NV, NE, ND, SD, VT, WY, WV

We are committed to ensuring equal opportunity in all aspects of employment, including recruitment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, particularly those who may contribute to the further diversification of our organization. If you require any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to inform us. Together, we strive to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and be their authentic selves.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is 240k-250k USD plus bonus eligibility. Ultimately, in determining pay, we will consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.

Group benefits currently include a selection of health care plans with prescription drug coverage, dental plan, vision plan, basic and supplemental life insurance, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses or a health savings account based on plan selection, short/long term disability and 401(k) Savings Plan.

Bachelors (required)

Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing compensation, benefits, and payroll. (required)
Expertise in managing complex global payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions. (required)
Expertise developing compensation programs, including sales and management incentive programs. (required)
Experience with executive compensation design and working with Boards or Compensation Committees. (required)
15 years: Years of progressive experience in HR Operations, including leadership roles in compensation, benefits, and payroll (required)