Associate Director – Human Capital (Infrastructure and Systems)

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. 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.