Global HR Process & Operations Lead (Contract Opportunity) in Needham, Massachusetts at IDC

About the Role & Team

IDC is building toward a Global HR Shared Services model and we're looking for an experienced operator to come in on contract and make it happen. This isn't an exploratory engagement — we need someone who has built a shared services function before, brings a proven framework, and can move quickly from assessment to roadmap to execution. You'll partner closely with HR, Finance, and IT leadership to design the model, align stakeholders, and lead Phase 1 implementation. The right person will know how to maximize what we already have — leveraging AI and automation within our existing technology stack to drive efficiency — without adding complexity or new tools.

What you'll do in your role:

This is a contract engagement for an experienced operator who has built a Global HR Shared Services function before. You won't be starting from scratch — you'll bring a proven framework and hit the ground running.

• Bring Your Blueprint: You'll come in with a point of view on what a high-functioning Global HR Shared Services model looks like — organizational design, service delivery tiers, technology, process standardization, and governance — and adapt it to IDC's size, structure, and priorities.
• Assess & Align Quickly: You'll conduct a rapid current-state assessment to understand where IDC is today, identify the gaps, and pressure-test your framework against our specific needs before locking in the roadmap.
• Present the Roadmap: You'll deliver a clear, phased roadmap with defined milestones, resource requirements, and success metrics — sequenced to show early wins while building toward a scalable, long-term model.
• Lead Phase 1 Implementation: You'll own execution of Phase 1, standing up the foundational capabilities the team needs to operate consistently and efficiently across regions.
• Maximize What We Already Have: You'll identify opportunities to use AI and automation capabilities within our existing technology stack — not add new tools — to streamline HR workflows, reduce manual effort, and increase team capacity.
• Set the Team Up to Scale: You'll define the future-state team structure, roles, and handoff plan so IDC can sustain and build on your work after the engagement closes.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least one full-cycle build of a Global HR Shared Services or HR Operations function
• Demonstrated ability to arrive with a point of view — you bring a tested framework and adapt it, rather than starting from scratch
• Deep knowledge of HR operations including workforce administration, compensation, HRIS, and employee data governance
• Experience driving AI and automation adoption within existing HR technology environments (Workday, ServiceNow, iCIMS, or similar)
• Strong program management skills — able to deliver a phased roadmap with clear milestones, owners, and measures of success
• Experience operating in a global, matrixed environment with stakeholders across multiple regions and functions
• Excellent communicator who can translate operational complexity into clear recommendations for executive audiences
• Prior experience working in or alongside a technology, research, or professional services organization is a plus

Why This Role Stands Out
At IDC, your work helps shape how the world understands technology and where it goes next. You collaborate with curious, high-caliber colleagues who value rigor, integrity, and shared success. As the premier global provider of trusted technology intelligence, IDC equips business and technology leaders with the evidence they need to make confident decisions. Our insights inform strategy, investment, and innovation across industries and regions.

Recognized by IIAR as Analyst Firm of the Year for five consecutive years, IDC sets the standard for credibility and impact. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide and a truly global perspective, we combine deep expertise with practical relevance. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your contributions provide the insights leaders rely on every day. It is meaningful work, backed by a culture that supports growth, collaboration, and long-term career development with a globally respected brand.

Compensation Transparency

At IDC, we are committed to fair and equitable pay practices. Employees are compensated equitably for their work, aligned with their skills and experience. Salary and incentive structures are determined through a rigorous process that considers experience, education, certifications, role-specific requirements, internal equity, and verified U.S. market data from an independent third-party partner.

This is a contract opportunity. The intial engagement will be 3 months with the potential for extension based on delivery of the objectives. The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between $80.00 hr - 125.00 hr.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify.

IDC is currently able to employ remote workers in the following states: Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Washington D.C. (DC), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Kansas (KS), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Maine (ME), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Missouri (MO), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Utah (UT), Virginia (VA), Vermont (VT), Washington (WA), and Wisconsin (WI).