Quick Overview
Help shape the future of AI commerce by building and leading the people operations function at one of LA's most innovative startups. As our Operations & People Lead, you'll own our talent strategy and operational systems while working directly with our founder to scale our unique culture of deep generalists. This is a rare opportunity to join a profitable, fast-growing AI company and make a lasting impact on how we grow and operate.
The Opportunity
Unlike traditional operations roles that emphasize process over outcomes, this position offers unique challenges and opportunities:
- Build our talent acquisition engine from the ground up
- Design innovative operational systems for a fast-growing AI company
- Work directly with our founder on strategic initiatives
- Shape company culture during a period of significant growth
- Drive operational excellence across a distributed team
About Demand.io
At Demand.io, we're building the world's leading source of e-commerce knowledge through our innovative technology stack:
- ShopGraph: Our proprietary knowledge graph containing real-time commerce data
- SimplyCodes: AI and community-powered savings platform covering 400,000+ stores
- Product.ai: Revolutionary AI shopping assistant redefining purchase decisions
Key metrics:
- Profitable since founding in 2009
- Driving $1B+ in annual commerce volume
- 100+ global employees, 30 HQ employees
Role Context:
- Reports to: Michael Quoc, Founder & CEO
- Location: Santa Monica, CA (Primarily in-office role)
- Impact scope: Entire organization (100+ global employees)
Your First 90 Days
Month 1: Learn & Assess
- Deep dive into current operational systems and processes
- Build relationships with key stakeholders and team members
- Audit existing HR tools, systems, and workflows
- Review and analyze current recruiting metrics and processes
- Assess current organizational structure and needs
Month 2: Plan & Execute
- Develop comprehensive talent acquisition strategy
- Design improved operational processes and systems
- Create implementation roadmap for key initiatives
- Begin building out HR operations team
- Establish baseline metrics and success criteria
Month 3: Scale & Optimize
- Launch initial process improvements
- Implement new recruiting and HR workflows
- Begin scaling successful initiatives
- Establish regular reporting and feedback loops
- Start hiring for key operational roles
Core Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition & Development (40%)
- Own end-to-end recruiting strategy and execution
- Build and optimize hiring processes across all departments
- Develop employer brand and recruitment marketing initiatives
- Design and implement onboarding and training programs
- Establish recruiting metrics and reporting systems
- Manage relationships with recruiting partners and platforms
HR Operations (30%)
- Lead HR programs including benefits, compensation, and performance management
- Design and implement innovative HR systems and processes
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations
- Manage HRIS implementation and optimization
- Drive employee engagement and retention initiatives
- Oversee HR budget and vendor relationships
Strategic Initiatives (30%)
- Partner with CEO on key growth projects
- Drive operational excellence across the organization
- Lead process improvement initiatives
- Develop and track organizational KPIs
- Manage strategic planning processes
- Build and scale operational teams
Who You Are
- Strategic thinker who can also execute tactically
- Natural builder who loves creating scalable systems
- Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical skills
- Excellent communicator who can influence at all levels
- Quick learner who thrives in fast-paced environments
- Process optimizer who values efficiency and effectiveness
- Culture carrier who embodies our deep generalist philosophy
Required Experience & Skills
Must-Haves:
- 4-7 years of operational experience in fast-paced tech environments
- Track record of successful recruiting program management
- Experience designing and implementing HR processes
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities
- Excellence in cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven approach to decision making
- Outstanding written and verbal communication
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience at AI/ML companies
- Background in high-growth startups
- Knowledge of modern HR tech stack
- Advanced degree in relevant field
- PHR/SPHR certification
- Experience with distributed teams
Technical Skills:
- HRIS platforms (Workday, BambooHR)
- ATS systems (Greenhouse, Lever)
- HR analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI)
- AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini)
- Project management software (Asana, Jira, Notion)
- Google Workspace / Microsoft 365
- Basic SQL for data analysis
Success Metrics
First-year expectations:
- Reduce time-to-hire by 25% while maintaining quality
- Achieve 90%+ hiring manager satisfaction score
- Design and launch structured interview process
- Create and manage comprehensive operational dashboards
- Improve employee engagement scores by 15%
- Build and train operational team of 5+
Skills You'll Develop
- AI industry expertise and knowledge
- Strategic leadership capabilities
- High-growth company scaling experience
- Advanced operational system design
- Modern HR technology implementation
- Data-driven decision making
- Executive-level communication
- Team building and management
Compensation & Benefits
Base Package:
- Salary: $120,000 - $160,000
- Equity: 0.2% - 0.4% (4-year vesting with 1-year cliff)
- Current company valuation: $100M+
Wealth Creation Through Profit-Sharing:
- Our unique profit-sharing program offers substantial wealth creation potential through monthly cash bonuses:
- High performer in this role will achieve annual cash compensation of $200,000 - $300,000+ as they advance
- Monthly cash payments tied to company growth and individual impact
- Profit-sharing percentages increase as you progress through Partner levels
- Opportunity to earn significant monthly bonuses based on company performance
- No cap on earning potential as company and your impact grow
- Immediate wealth creation without RSU lockup periods
Additional Benefits:
- Executive health / dental / vision (full coverage for employee + dependents)
- Unlimited PTO
- Annual learning stipend
- 401(k) program
- Daily catered lunches
- Garaged parking pass
- Comprehensive relocation package available
Our Work Environment
- Modern office in Santa Monica tech hub
- Collaborative, high-energy atmosphere
- Direct access to founder and leadership team
- Focus on results over process
- Fast-paced, learning-focused culture
- Regular team events and activities
Growth & Impact Opportunities
- Shape the future of a rapidly growing AI company
- Build and lead a high-performing operational team
- Drive innovation in HR and operational practices
- Develop expertise in AI industry operations
- Create lasting impact on company culture and success
Why Join Demand.io
- Rare opportunity to build operations from the ground up
- Work directly with experienced founder and leadership team
- Significant autonomy and strategic input
- Real impact on company growth and success
- Substantial wealth creation potential through Partners Program
Ready to Drive Operational Excellence?
If you're energized by building and optimizing operational systems while driving company growth, we want to talk to you. We understand exceptional candidates often have compelling current roles. Our founder is happy to have an initial confidential conversation about how this unique opportunity could align with your career aspirations.
Learn more about our products, our mission, and our culture.
