Associate Director, HR Operations and Total Rewards

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium's unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

If you have deep experience across HR operations and total rewards and are energized by leading a highly impactful, cross-functional team, the Associate Director, HR Operations & Total Rewards opportunity with Iridium role may be an ideal next step. You will help shape Iridium's people strategy by establishing and executing plans across total rewards, HR operations, systems, and data.

Your work will focus on building alignment, scaling efficient processes, and modernizing how HR delivers value, including advancing AI-enabled capabilities. You will lead a high-performing team responsible for compensation, benefits, wellness, leave administration, equity, HRIS, people analytics, and core HR processes.

You'll bring a passion for building and leading high-performing teams, solving complex problems, and driving meaningful change.

Foster and develop a highly effective team across Total Rewards and HR Operations to deliver scalable, high-quality programs and services that support business objectives
• Mentor and train your team by evaluating employees' performance, recognizing areas for improvement, and providing reliable solutions to problems that may impact your team's effectiveness
• Lead the integration and prioritization of work across compensation, benefits, leave administration, equity, HRIS, people analytics, and HR processes
• Partner with senior leadership to establish strategic plans and objectives for People Operations, ensuring alignment with broader business goals
• Drive the development and execution of a forward-looking HR operations strategy, including the evaluation and implementation of AI-enabled tools and capabilities
• Identify and implement process improvements to simplify, standardize, and improve HR processes and systems to enhance efficiency and employee experience
• Manage and optimize HR systems (HRIS) and data infrastructure to ensure accuracy, scalability, and actionable insights
• Uncover flaws, problems, and risks in processes, data, or programs by asking strategic questions and proactively developing solutions
• Logically analyze multiple data sources to respond to complex and high-impact business situations and inform decision-making
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and partner with Finance, IT, and business leaders to deliver integrated solutions
• Ensure effective governance, compliance, and execution of total rewards programs, including compensation planning, benefits administration, and leave programs
• Drive the creation of metrics, dashboards, and business review materials to communicate insights and influence decision-making
• Be accountable for delivering high-quality results across multiple, complex projects within defined timelines and budgets

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 12+ years of relevant experience in HR operations, total rewards, or related areas
• Previous management experience required, including leading and developing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex analyses, insights, and recommendations clearly and confidently to a wide range of stakeholders
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team while role modeling accountability and commitment to results
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership
• The ability to confidently present complex results, influence decision-making, and tailor communication style to different audiences
• Be a strategic thinker who continuously looks for opportunities to improve processes, systems, and ways of working
• Possess the creativity, resourcefulness, and decisiveness needed to manage risks and respond to complex and high-impact situations
• Have a strong sense of urgency in driving initiatives forward while maintaining attention to quality and detail
• Proven ability to manage multiple or complex projects while adhering to deadlines and budget considerations

• Experience leading both Total Rewards and HR Operations functions
• Experience with HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, iCims, or similar)
• Experience implementing or leveraging AI and automation within HR processes
• Strong background in people analytics and data-driven decision making
• Experience in a high-growth or transformation-focused environment

• Be able to work in the office at least 3 or more days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders
• Be able to travel up to 15%

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.

We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium's Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.