Director of People

About Hololabs Hololabs is a creative technology studio and game development company, bringing interactive, immersive experiences to life with a focus on user engagement and play. Rooted in video game development, we've evolved to lead in immersive entertainment, location-based experiences, and emerging media like virtual and augmented reality. Collaboration is central to our approach; we team up with visionary partners to solve challenges, explore new ideas, and create experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. At Hololabs, we believe that a motivated and fulfilled team contributes to our overall success. We offer a unique work experience that balances making a tangible impact with the continuous growth and stability that you seek, while our people‑first culture fosters professional development and work‑life balance. The Role As Director of People and Culture, you will be a strategic partner to Hololabs' leadership team, shaping the future of our organizational culture and driving people‑focused initiatives that scale with our growth. You'll bring deep HR expertise and industry best practices to build systems, policies, and programs that enhance employee experience while ensuring operational excellence and compliance across all people functions. This is a true generalist role that spans strategic leadership and hands‑on execution. You will partner with the executive team to develop and implement people strategies, lead initiatives that strengthen our culture, oversee critical HR operations, and maintain our studio environment. You'll have the autonomy to drive meaningful change while staying connected to the day‑to‑day needs of our team. This role is perfect for an experienced HR leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution, brings a people‑first mindset, and has a proven track record of building scalable people operations in growing organizations. Key Responsibilities Strategic People Leadership Partner with the executive team to develop and execute people strategies aligned with business objectives and growth plans Introduce and implement industry best practices in talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development Lead the design and evolution of performance management systems, compensation frameworks, and career development pathways Analyze people metrics and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and inform strategic decision‑making Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across all aspects of the employee lifecycle Talent Acquisition & Development Develop and execute comprehensive recruitment strategies to attract top talent in the gaming and creative technology space Oversee the full recruitment lifecycle, including ATS management (Humi), job postings, candidate experience, and hiring manager partnerships Design and continuously improve onboarding and offboarding programs that reflect our values and set employees up for success Lead employee development initiatives, including training programs, mentorship opportunities, and succession planning People Operations & Compliance Oversee HRIS administration (Humi) and ensure data integrity and system optimization Ensure full compliance with employment standards, WCB, contracts, insurance requirements, and all relevant labor laws Maintain and evolve company policies to align with legal requirements, industry standards, and organizational values Oversee benefits administration and serve as the primary liaison with benefits providers Oversee payroll processing, approval, and reporting while partnering with finance on compensation planning Culture & Employee Experience Design and lead engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and team‑building activities that reinforce company values Conduct and analyze engagement surveys, translating insights into actionable programs that enhance employee satisfaction Plan and execute company offsites, events, and community engagement initiatives Serve as a trusted advisor and resource for employees and managers on culture, conflict resolution, and workplace matters Foster a culture of continuous feedback, psychological safety, and belonging Operational Excellence & Office Management Oversee office operations and facilities management to ensure a functional, welcoming, and well‑maintained studio environment Manage office supply procurement, vendor relationships, and building management liaison activities Coordinate executive support functions including calendar management, travel coordination, meeting preparation, and special projects as needed Provide cross‑functional support to VPs and managers on administrative matters that advance the company's mission Required Qualifications 7+ years of progressive experience in People Operations, HR leadership, and/or organizational development, preferably in fast‑paced, creative, or technology‑driven environments Proven track record of developing and implementing people strategies, policies, and programs that drive engagement and business results Strong knowledge of employment law, HR compliance requirements, and industry best practices Demonstrated experience partnering with executive leadership to shape organizational culture and people initiatives Experience designing and leading performance management, compensation, and talent development programs Exceptional project management skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands and drive multiple initiatives simultaneously Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels of the organization Strategic thinking combined with a hands‑on, execution‑oriented approach High emotional intelligence, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism Preferred Qualifications CPHR designation or equivalent professional HR certification Experience in the gaming, entertainment, or creative technology industries Background scaling people operations in growing organizations (50‑200+ employees) Proficiency with HR software platforms (e.g., Humi, Breezy) and productivity tools (Google Suite, Slack) Experience implementing HRIS systems and leveraging people analytics Creative problem‑solving approach with a default to curiosity and continuous improvement Genuine enthusiasm for fostering inclusive, collaborative environments and adapting to the evolving needs of a dynamic organization We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment for employees from all walks of life. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or disability. We hire based on talent, and we're excited to hear what you will bring to our team Location We are headquartered in downtown Victoria. This role requires a regular in‑office presence to effectively lead people operations, collaborate with leadership, and maintain our studio environment. We offer flexibility for remote work as needed and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements that support both your needs and our operational requirements. How to Apply To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter that speaks to your experience driving people strategies and building culture in growing organizations. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. If you don't meet all of our requirements exactly or have taken a non‑traditional professional path, we still want to hear from you Use your cover letter to tell us about your unique experience - we strive to build a diverse team and recognize that skills are transferable. #J-18808-Ljbffr