GDS Wealth Management is seeking a builder-minded, systems-oriented People Operations Manager to establish and lead the firm’s HR infrastructure as we enter our next phase of growth.
With more than $1.8B in assets under management and a rapidly growing team, this role provides the opportunity to design and implement the people systems that will support the firm as it scales.
Your Impact
As the People Operations Manager, you will serve as the firm’s first dedicated HR leader, owning the development and execution of core people operations across the organization. You will take responsibility for essential HR functions while building the foundational systems and processes needed to support the firm’s continued growth.
You will design and implement key infrastructure including performance management, onboarding, training, HR systems, and policy frameworks. In addition, you will own the firm’s recruiting function, improving hiring processes, and directly supporting hiring efforts for select roles.
This role blends hands-on execution with systems building, ensuring the firm operates efficiently today while creating a scalable people infrastructure for the future. You will partner closely with leadership, compliance, and department leaders to support a high-performing, well-aligned team.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle
- Own and manage day-to-day HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, employee records, and benefits coordination
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee HR-related questions and support
- Ensure a consistent and well-managed employee experience across the full lifecycle
Performance Management & Team Development
- Design and implement the firm’s performance management framework
- Establish goal-setting processes, review cycles, and performance tracking systems
- Partner with leadership to define performance expectations and accountability standards
- Support managers with training, feedback frameworks, and performance conversations
Recruiting & Talent Acquisition
- Own and manage the firm’s recruiting function from role definition through offer and onboarding
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external recruiting partners and agencies
- Partner with leadership to define role requirements, candidate profiles, and hiring priorities
- Improve and standardize the hiring process including interview structure, evaluation criteria, and candidate experience
- Track and report on recruiting pipeline metrics and effectiveness
- Evaluate opportunities to bring more recruiting capabilities in-house over time
HR Systems, Policies & Compliance
- Own and optimize the firm’s HR systems, including ADP and related tools
- Ensure accurate employee data, reporting, and system configuration
- Maintain and update the employee handbook and HR policies
- Partner with the compliance team to ensure adherence to employment regulations and firm standards
Process Improvement & Training
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- Design and implement structured onboarding programs for new hires
- Develop foundational training modules for employees and managers
- Identify gaps and inefficiencies in HR and recruiting processes
- Build and document scalable workflows to support firm growth
- Continuously refine systems and processes to improve employee experience and operational efficiency
Qualifications
Experience & Education
- 5–8+ years of experience in HR, People Operations, or related roles
- Experience building HR processes, systems, or programs from the ground up strongly preferred
- Experience supporting or managing recruiting processes; direct recruiting experience is a plus
- Experience in a growing company or scaling environment preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of HR fundamentals including employee lifecycle, performance management, and compliance
- Experience with HRIS systems such as ADP or similar platforms
- Familiarity with recruiting processes, interview frameworks, and candidate evaluation
- Ability to design and implement structured processes in an evolving environment
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- High attention to detail with a systems-oriented mindset
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust across the organization
