The Opportunity

The Sr. Director, People Operations – Business Operations will provide comprehensive Human Resources leadership for the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), FedExForum, Grind City Media and Memphis Hustle (G League).

The Sr. Director, People Operations will set the strategy for a team of HR professionals and ensure compliance, efficiency, and alignment with business objectives. This leader will work closely with the VP, People & Culture to develop and implement policies that support a positive work culture, streamline HR operations and ensure the organization attracts, retains and develops top talent. The Sr. Director, People Operations, will bring strong business acumen and solutions-driven mindset, collaborating closely with key stakeholders to address business needs in a rapidly evolving environment.

With a focus on operational excellence, this role will blend strategic planning with hands-on HR management, leading initiatives that span the employee life cycle. A key priority will be establishing metrics to measure HR program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement, contributing to the success and sustainability of the organization.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned HR leader with proven experience in both strategic advising and tactical execution. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success in leading HR teams, implementing HR best practices, and delivering measurable results in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Exceptional coaching abilities, high emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate complex issues are also critical for success.

In This Role You Will

Lead HR initiatives and apply project management expertise across key areas, including full-time and event-day recruitment, employee relations, employee self-service, HR shared services, benefits, compliance, and compensation.
Manage the design and administration of competitive compensation and benefits programs that attract, motivate, and retain top talent while aligning with financial objectives. Regularly benchmark these programs against industry standards to continually uphold our talent philosophy.
Provide clear, comprehensive guidance to managers on handling employee relations issues, including conducting performance evaluations, managing disciplinary actions, resolving conflicts, and offering practical recommendations for resolution.
In partnership with the VP, People of Culture oversee the full recruitment life cycle for positions in business operations, ensuring a positive candidate and hiring manager experience. Utilize data-driven approaches to measure the effectiveness of recruiting strategies and drive continuous improvement. Lead and develop a high-performing recruiting team.
Develop dashboards and reports to track HR operational metrics regularly and provide actionable insights to the HR Team and leadership team.
Provide coaching, counseling, and advice to guide leaders and team members with regards to HR programs, practices, policies, including interpretation of policy, identification of risk, impact to the business and recommended solutions.
Responsible for leading and providing day-to-day direction, and overall coaching, mentoring and performance management and development of the HR team.
Oversee HR software system updates, ensuring the organization’s HR technologies are efficient, effective, and aligned with future needs.
In partnership with the Director, Talent Development identify, develop, and oversee training programs for business operations that enhance leadership capabilities and align with the evolving needs of the business, ensuring ongoing professional growth for employees.
Partner with the VP, People & Culture to drive a culture of inclusion and ensure training, awareness, and accountability across the organization.
Stay on top of the latest HR best practices and methodologies within sports/entertainment, venue management and media.
In partnership with the VP, People & Culture serve as HR team liaison to the NBA and partner with league representatives to deliver and execute on league calls, programs, and initiatives.
Other duties as assigned

The Experience You Will Bring

Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field with a strong background in compensation, benefits, worker’s compensation, HRIS, employee relations and other HR functions.
10+ years of experience in Human Resources, preferably in sports, entertainment, hospitality or related field with prior experience overseeing both strategic and operational HR functions.
5+ years of people leadership experience, specifically coaching, mentoring and developing human resource professionals.
Knowledge of all federal and state regulations affecting employee benefit programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, Section 125, ACA, Social Security and DOL requirements.
Exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities, including strong project management and demonstrated experience mentoring and influencing team members.
Comprehensive knowledge of HR best practices and employment laws with a deep understanding of their impact on organizational operations.
Proficiency in HR technology and data analytics, experience with UKG, ICIMS, Trakstar is a plus.
Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, employee recruiting and retention, employee benefits administration, compensation management and workforce planning.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, as well as the ability to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines.
SHRM-SCP, SPHR or similar certification are a plus.

Skills Needed To Be Successful

Comfort working in a lean, dynamic, fast-paced, growing environment.
Ability to connect and integrate HR priorities and services to ensure flawless, aligned and scalable service delivery.
Exceptional sense of judgment and ability to make quality and independent decisions under ambiguous situations.
Strong influencing and partnering skills across all levels of the organization.
Analytical skills with an eye for story-telling with data.
Growth mentality and resiliency.
Ability to maintain a strict code of confidentiality and discretion.

What We Offer

At the Memphis Grizzlies, we strive to support our team members through all stages of life with robust and attractive benefits, financial and wellness options and great perks. In addition to offering a competitive salary, we have other great benefits and perks.

Keeping You Healthy

Industry leading health coverage
Short and Long-term disability
Team Member and Dependent Life Insurance
Group Voluntary Benefits
Wellness programs through EAP and Headspace

Discounts and Perks

Matching 401(k)
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Team Store Discounts
Happy Hours and other fun activities
Qualified parking and game night meals
NBA Sponsored Discount Programs
Employee Referral Bonuses
Employee Recognition Programs

Taking Time Off

Generous Paid Time Off
Holiday Pay
Paid Parental Leave

Memphis Basketball LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and team members fairly based on their abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by law.

Memphis Grizzlies

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Sr. Director, People Operations - Business Operations