Head of Systems Operations

Details

About the team

The Employee Technology Experience (ETX) team is responsible for delivering a world-class internal technology experience that enables employees to do their best work. The team supports and operates employee-facing systems that keep the company moving quickly and efficiently.

Within ETX, the SysOps team sits at the center of critical internal platforms and operational workflows. The team owns a broad portfolio spanning identity systems, endpoint management, SaaS administration, infrastructure automation, enterprise tooling, and internal technical operations. The SysOps team partners closely with Security, Engineering, Workplace, Finance, People and other cross-functional teams to ensure internal technology is fast, reliable, and scalable.

The team is focused on building modern internal operations through automation, self-service, and AI-enabled workflows that reduce friction and create leverage across the company.

About the role

We are hiring a Head of System Operations to lead a high-impact technical operations organization. This leader will be responsible for running the SysOps team, creating clarity across a broad remit, improving operational performance and architecture, and building the future of how internal systems are delivered in the age of AI.

This role requires a strong operator who can organize complex work, set priorities, drive accountability, and continuously improve how the team functions. You should be equally comfortable leading people, improving operational processes, and engaging deeply with technical systems. The role is ideal for someone who combines technical breadth with strong execution and a builder mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing System Operations team with clear ownership and accountability.
• Set priorities across a broad portfolio of operational and technical work to ensure focus.
• Drive team effectiveness through strong operational rhythms, metrics, capacity planning, and execution discipline.
• Drive automation, self-service, and AI-enabled workflows that reduce manual work, eliminate delays, improve employee experience, and scale operations across identity, endpoint, SaaS, and internal systems.
• Oversee the operation of core internal technology domains including identity systems, endpoint management, enterprise applications, and systems automation, with ownership of Entra ID architecture, lifecycle automation, access governance, and privileged access.
• Ensure internal technology operations meet security, audit, and control requirements through reliable processes and disciplined execution, supported by clear standards, version-controlled configuration, and measurable reliability.
• Partner cross-functionally to deliver scalable solutions for company growth, onboarding, integrations, and changing business needs.
• Continuously improve the speed, quality, and reliability of technology services, while driving Terraform standards, reducing configuration drift, and raising the engineering bar.

Requirements

• Experience leading systems engineering, enterprise technology, IT operations, or platform operations at scale.
• Strong people leadership skills with a track record of building effective teams and raising performance standards.
• Proven ability to run complex operational environments with clear prioritization and measurable results.
• Technical depth across several areas such as identity platforms, endpoint management, SaaS administration, automation, infrastructure, or enterprise tooling.
• Experience building durable processes that balance speed, control, and high-quality user outcomes.
• Familiarity with modern AI tools and practical ways to apply them to operations and internal workflows.
• Strong judgment, clear communications, and comfort operating in fast-moving environments.
• A hands-on, ownership-oriented mindset with high standards for execution.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base pay range: $226K - $285K. Offers equity.
• Base pay may vary depending on market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Total compensation may include equity and performance-related bonuses for eligible employees.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance (with employer HSA contributions), pre-tax accounts (Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter), 401(k) with employer match, paid parental leave, paid PTO, 13+ paid holidays and office closures, mental health support, employer-paid basic life and disability coverage, annual learning and development stipend, daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits, and additional taxable fringe benefits.
• Relocation support for eligible employees.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. The company pushes the boundaries of AI capabilities and seeks to safely deploy them through products, emphasizing safety and human needs at the core. OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.