Associate Director – Human Capital (Infrastructure and Systems)

The D. E. Shaw group is a global investment and technology development firm with more than $65 billion in investment capital as of March 1, 2025, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Since our founding in 1988, our firm has earned an international reputation for successful investing based on innovation, careful risk management, and the quality and depth of our staff. We have a significant presence in the world's capital markets, investing in a wide range of companies and financial instruments in both developed and developing economies.

We are seeking a visionary leader who is passionate about driving technological innovation within the HC domain to join our Human Capital (Infrastructure and Systems) team in Hyderabad, India. The Human Capital (HC) Infra & Systems team at D. E. Shaw designs, maintains, and advances technology for all HC functions. This global team partners with Human Capital, Technology, Analytics, and Global Products, translating business goals into scalable, user-focused solutions. They manage the full lifecycle of HC systems, from gathering requirements and creating infrastructure to enhancing systems, testing, and optimizing post-launch. Team members work across functions to address evolving needs, close system gaps, and improve user experience and efficiency. They coordinate multiple projects to ensure connectivity across HC disciplines. As subject matter experts and technology enablers, they keep systems resilient, future-ready, and aligned with D. E. Shaw's strategy. The team culture emphasizes innovation, partnership, and excellence in service, enabling the firm to attract and develop top talent globally.

WHAT YOU'LL DO DAY-TO-DAY :

In this role, you will partner with developers and collaborate with key stakeholders both locally and globally to design and implement a strategic vision for robust HC systems infrastructure, supporting all facets of the HC lifecycle — from hiring to separation. Serving as a strategic liaison between HC, Technology, Analytics, and the Global Products team, you will help ensure aligned and collaborative outcomes. A crucial aspect of the position involves engaging deeply with stakeholders to understand their technological needs, meticulously documenting requirements, and translating these into detailed functional specifications and comprehensive process drafts. Additionally, you will oversee cross-team collaboration, ensuring seamless communication between specialized teams within HC to drive integrated project planning and execution.

You will work closely with senior leadership to translate strategic business goals into clear and executable technology initiatives. This includes conducting thorough assessments of the current HC tech infrastructure, identifying gaps, and developing strategic roadmaps for transitioning to future-state solutions. Furthermore, you will oversee the creation and execution of test cases and scenarios, manage the UAT process, and ensure system alignment with user requirements, specifications, and quality standards. As part of your ongoing responsibilities, you will ensure that all systems are optimized to support the organization's strategic goals, enhance user experience, and drive operational efficiency. Finally, you will lead and mentor a team of HC technology professionals, promoting a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and excellence in service delivery.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR :

We are seeking a visionary leader who is passionate about driving technological innovation within the HC domain.

Basic qualifications :

• Proven Experience : A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in product or services firms with a focus on Human Capital functions
• Deep HR Knowledge : Comprehensive understanding of HR systems and infrastructure, with proven experience in addressing both technological and operational challenges in a dynamic environment
• Analytical Expertise with Technical Acumen : Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to distill complex business requirements into actionable technology initiatives
• Communication Skills : Excellent communication skills that enable clear and effective engagement with senior leadership, key stakeholders, and technical teams
• Project Management Execution Capabilities : Outstanding project management capabilities to oversee multiple initiatives concurrently while ensuring timely delivery and risk management
• Collaborative Leadership Ability : The ability to build and sustain relationships across diverse functions and geographies, influence stakeholders, and lead cross-functional teams towards common goals
• Consultative Experience : Prior experience as a Product Owner, Business Analyst or Functional Consultant, providing valuable insights into the user's perspective and the functional intricacies of HC systems

Interested candidates can apply through our website :

https : / / www.deshawindia.com / recruit / jobs / Adv / Link / AscHHCJul25

We encourage candidates with relevant experience looking to restart their careers after a break to apply for this position. Learn about Recommence, our gender-neutral return-to-work initiative.

The Firm offers excellent benefits, a casual, collegial working environment, and an attractive compensation package. For further information about our recruitment process, including how applicant data will be processed, please visit https : / / www.deshawindia.com / careers

Members of the D. E. Shaw group do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of sex, race, colour, caste, creed, religion, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.

Skills Required

Analytical Skills, Project Management, collaborative leadership, Communication Skills