Director, People Operations

Is it surprising to hear that a financial institution of 1.5 million members and over $30 billion in managed assets say that success comes from focusing on people, not profits?
Our “people helping people” philosophy has guided us since 1935, driving our deep commitment to serving our members, communities, and each other. When you join our team, you become part of a purpose-driven organization where your work makes a real difference.
While we’re proud of our history, we’re even more excited about our future. With business and technology transformation on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be part of BECU.

PAY RANGE

The Target Pay Range for this position is $173,500.00-$211,900.00 annually. The full Pay Range is $135,100.00 - $250,600.00 annually. At BECU, compensation decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, and education or training. Should an offer for employment be made, we will consider individual qualifications. In addition to your salary, compensation incentives are available for the hired applicant. Incentives are performance based and targets vary by role.

BENEFITS – because people helping people starts with supporting you

• 401(k) Company Match (up to 3%)

• 4% annual contribution to your 401(k) by BECU

• Medical, Dental and Vision (family contributions as well)

• PTO Program + Exchange Program

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• BECU Cares volunteer time off + donation match

IMPACT YOU’LL MAKE:

As the Director, People Operations, you’ll shape how employees experience HR services across BECU. You’ll lead the strategy, governance, and performance of People Operations, Payroll, and Absence Management, helping create a seamless, scalable, and people-centered experience throughout the employee lifecycle. In this role, your leadership will directly influence operational excellence, compliance, service innovation, and employee satisfaction across the organization.

You’ll have the opportunity to modernize and optimize HR operations through technology, automation, and continuous improvement while empowering high-performing teams to deliver exceptional service. Your expertise will help create consistent, efficient, and compliant people processes that support both business goals and employee success.

To join our dynamic team in this role, we require candidates to be residents of WA, OR, ID, CA, or AZ. If you’re located in Washington state and within a reasonable driving distance to our Tukwila Headquarters (TFC), we encourage you come into the office on Tuesdays & Wednesdays each week. For those candidates that live outside the commutable distance to TFC and in any of our approved remote work locations, this role will be primarily remote. Remote or onsite, we are committed to ensuring you are fully engaged and included in our collaborative environment. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead People Operations Strategy: Shape and evolve a centralized, scalable People Operations model that delivers efficient, consistent, and high-quality HR services across the organization.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee high-volume HR operations through a shared services approach, improving the employee experience across the full employee lifecycle while enhancing service delivery, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee Payroll Operations: Provide strategic leadership for payroll operations by establishing governance, performance standards, and process improvement initiatives that strengthen accuracy, compliance, and scalability.
• Enhance Leave and Absence Programs: Guide absence and leave management programs with a focus on creating a consistent, employee-centered experience while serving as an escalation point for complex situations and ensuring alignment with policies, practices, and risk management standards.
• Strengthen Compliance and Governance: Establish and maintain governance frameworks, controls, and compliance practices that support multi-state HR operations and align with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Champion HR Technology and Innovation: Maximize the use of HR systems and technology solutions, including platforms such as Workday, to streamline processes, improve service delivery, reduce operational risk, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate Across the Organization: Partner with People team colleagues and enterprise stakeholders to ensure smooth, integrated delivery of employee lifecycle programs and services.
• Develop and Empower Teams: Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and training to support employee growth, encourage strong performance, and build a culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and service excellence.
• Guide Performance and Talent Development: Meet with team members regularly to support performance conversations, development planning, and employee engagement.
• Deliver Strategic Insights: Provide reporting, operational insights, and recommendations to senior leadership that support informed business and workforce decisions.
• Support Organizational Growth: Contribute to additional initiatives, projects, and responsibilities that support the evolving needs of the organization.

This isn’t just about ticking off tasks on a list. It's about making a significant, positive change in BECU’s journey, where your contributions are valued, and your growth is continually fostered.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

• The opportunity to lead and modernize enterprise-wide People Operations functions that directly impact employee experience and organizational success.
• A highly visible leadership role where your expertise in HR operations, payroll, compliance, and service delivery will help shape strategic business outcomes.
• The ability to influence large-scale operational transformation through technology, automation, and process improvement initiatives.
• A collaborative and mission-driven culture that values innovation, continuous improvement, and people-first leadership.
• The chance to build, mentor, and empower high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability and service excellence.
• Exposure to enterprise-wide initiatives and executive-level partnerships that expand your strategic leadership experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work and education experience.
• Requires 8 years of progressive HR experience, including demonstrated leadership in one or more areas of People Operations, Payroll, or Absence Management.
• Requires 5 years of people leadership experience with demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience leading or operating within a shared services or centralized HR model required.
• Expert understanding of multi-state HR operations, including payroll and leave regulations required.
• Proven ability to design and scale operational processes in complex environments required.
• Experience leveraging HR technology and systems to drive efficiency and service delivery required.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, lead change, and build alignment across stakeholders required.
• Strong communication, project management, and problem-solving skills required.
• Experience supporting mergers, integrations, or organizational transformation preferred.
• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS platforms preferred.

JOIN THE JOURNEY:

Ready to make an indelible impact? Eager to be a part of a collaborative and innovative team where your ideas and contributions don’t just fill a role, but fuel the growth and success of BECU? This is more than a job – it’s a chance to elevate your career, skills, and future, all while contributing to the robust technological landscape of BECU.

Embrace the opportunity to grow with us. Apply now, bring your expertise to the table, and let’s achieve excellence together at BECU. Your journey of influence, innovation, and impactful contribution starts now. #BECU #YourGrowth #BECUJourney

EEO Statement:

BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.