Manager-Director, People Programs

VERVE

Los Angeles, CA

Description

Verve is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of People to lead and scale our people operations while fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and culture-forward workplace. This role will serve as a strategic partner to leadership while remaining deeply involved in day-to-day HR execution. The ideal candidate brings strong HR fundamentals, sound judgment, and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach, with experience supporting fast-paced, creative, or professional services organizations. Level (Manager vs. Director) will be determined based on experience and scope.

People Strategy & Leadership

Partner with the C-suite to develop and execute people strategies aligned with business goals and Verve's unique culture
Serve as a trusted advisor on organizational design, workforce planning, and senior people decisions
Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives across the agency
Bring a point of view - not just process - to how Verve attracts, develops, and retains top talent

Employee Relations & Culture

Lead all ER matters - performance management, conflict resolution, investigations, and disciplinary actions - with empathy and compliance
Navigate the distinct dynamics of a talent agency environment with professionalism and discretion
Model and reinforce Verve's cultural values; help build a respectful, high-performing, and inclusive workplace

Talent Management & Development

Oversee recruiting, onboarding, and retention across agents, executives, assistants, and support staff
Drive performance review cycles, succession planning, peer recognition, and year-end planning
Build career paths, learning opportunities, and leadership development programs tailored to entertainment

HR Operations & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws - with deep emphasis on California labor law
Own HR policies, employee handbook, compensation, benefits, payroll, and HR systems (Paylocity a plus)
Partner with external legal counsel on employment matters as needed

Change Management & Scaling

Lead people-side change during periods of growth, restructuring, or operational evolution
Use data and employee feedback to continuously improve programs and processes
Scale HR infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing, ambitious agency

About Verve

verve (vu^rv)a) enthusiasm in literary or artistic workb) energy in the expression of ideasc) aptitude; talent

Verve is a premier talent agency providing global representation for clients across film, television, publishing, digital, theatre, and books-to-screen.Founded in 2010, the agency prides itself on discovering the most exciting new voices in entertainment and guiding the careers of some of the most sought-after storytellers in the world. Verve clients have been recognized by the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize. Continually disrupting an industry with its innovation and ability to be reflective of an everchanging landscape, Verve’s client-first approach provides unparalleled service, influence and career-building with a passion matched only by that of their clients.

Requirements

Required:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

5+ years of progressive HR experience, including 2+ years in a senior manager or director-level role

Strong command of HR fundamentals: employee relations, compliance, talent management

Proven ability to handle sensitive, complex ER matters with excellent judgment and discretion

Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization

Deep knowledge of California employment law

Strongly Preferred:

Experience in entertainment, media, talent representation, or a closely related creative industry

Familiarity with the culture and dynamics of talent agencies, studios, networks, or production companies

Hands-on mindset: comfortable being both strategic advisor and day-to-day executor