Director, People Ops & Total Rewards

Samba TV tracks streaming and broadcast video across the world with our proprietary data and technology. We are on a mission to fundamentally transform the viewing experience for everyone. Our data enables media companies to connect with audiences for new shows and movies, and enables advertisers to engage viewers and measure reach across all their devices. We have an amazing story with a unique perspective on culture formed by a global footprint of data and AI-driven insights.

Samba TV is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of People Ops & Total Rewards to own and optimize core people operations processes, people rewards, compensation guides and level, elevate employee lifecycle experiences, and drive operational excellence at scale. In this role, you’ll act as a critical leader within the People Team—partnering closely with the People Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Legal, Finance, and Exec stakeholders to ensure our systems, policies, and people programs are modern, compliant, and deeply employee-centric.

You will be responsible for operationalizing and scaling People Ops programs across multiple regions, ensuring compliance is at the forefront, managing sensitive employee relations processes, and owning HR systems, data, and compliance with the precision and strategic foresight of a trusted business partner.

• Lead & Optimize People Ops Processes: Design and oversee the full employee lifecycle (onboarding, compensation processing, leaves, offboarding), with a lens on compliance, automation, and experience.
• Compensation & Competency: Ensure total rewards and compensation framework  and leveling guides are compliant with company policy and up to date with market trends. 
• Own Global Onboarding & Offboarding: Drive a seamless onboarding experience and build a repeatable offboarding process that reflects our values while managing risk and compliance.
• Compliance Champion: Stay ahead of global employment law changes and ensure Samba’s policies and practices remain current and compliant; maintain the HR compliance calendar.
• Lead HRIS Strategy: Own data integrity and process optimization in BambooHR and other HR tech platforms; partner with IT and Finance to ensure cross-functional data alignment.
• Project Leadership: Spearhead People Ops projects (e.g. DEI audits, M&A integrations, compensation cycles) and implement scalable solutions that improve HR efficiency and experience.
• Strategic Partner: Provide consultative support to senior leadership on org design, workforce planning, and talent mobility.
• Benefits & Immigration: Oversee escalated benefits issues and high-complexity visa or global mobility cases, working with legal counsel as needed.
• Internal Communications: Own employee communications for People programs and systems; write clear, engaging messages that drive adoption and trust.
• Team Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior People Ops or Generalist team members; model best practices and encourage continuous learning.

• 5–7+ years of progressive HR/People Operations experience; previous startup or high-growth company experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional people programs at scale.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. employment law and comfort navigating global employment nuances.
• Experience with BambooHR or similar HRIS; fluency in systems like Google Workspace, DocuSign, and payroll/benefits platforms.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort using Excel, Sheets, and reporting tools to support data-informed decision making.
• Clear, confident communicator—comfortable presenting to senior leadership and translating operational updates for all audiences.
• High emotional intelligence and impeccable discretion when managing sensitive data or people matters.
• Passion for creating an equitable and engaging employee experience across every touchpoint.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field required; HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred. Bonus points for experience with payroll operations or financial systems.

Samba TV is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  We strive to empower connection with one another, reflect the communities we serve, and tackle meaningful projects that make a real impact.

Samba TV may collect personal information directly from you, as a job applicant, Samba TV may also receive personal information from third parties, for example, in connection with a background, employment or reference check, in accordance with the applicable law. For further details, please see Samba's Applicant Privacy Policy. For residents of the EU , Samba Inc. is the data controller.