Human Resources Operations Manager

Role overview

The Human Resources Operations Manager serves as the key driver of day-to-day HR operations, helping the department stay compliant, efficient, and responsive to employees. This role oversees audits, benefits, leave administration, and employee lifecycle workflows, while making sure practices align with legal obligations and ISO standards.

Core responsibilities

• Manage the full administration of employee benefit programs such as medical, dental, vision, retirement, and supplemental coverage, including planning and running open enrollment with clear employee communication.
• Create and share internal updates about benefit deadlines and enrollment windows, and keep a detailed HR calendar with critical activities, due dates, and compliance checkpoints.
• Work with brokers, vendors, and the Payroll Manager to process HR transactions accurately, monitor records, communicate with employees, and improve processes based on audit results.
• Run leave administration for PTO, FMLA, ADA accommodations, parental leave, and state-specific leave programs, while ensuring compliance across federal, state, and local rules in multiple jurisdictions.
• Handle reminders related to 401(k), HSA, and other voluntary benefit contributions.
• Maintain accurate HRIS data in Paylocity through direct updates and routine review of changes.
• Prepare recurring and on-demand reports from Paylocity and other HR systems.
• Lead compliance tracking and internal audits that support certifications and HR registrations.
• Support performance review activities and help manage performance-related issues alongside HR and department leaders.
• Direct, coach, and develop the HR Generalist who supports HR operations.
• Assign operational work appropriately while remaining accountable for results.
• Partner with the HR Generalist to provide smooth employee lifecycle support and improve employee experience across HR touchpoints.
• Take part in, and at times lead, social impact efforts such as community outreach and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Office Manager on health and safety matters, event planning, and employee engagement activities.
• Keep process guides, FAQs, and internal HR resources updated on the intranet and other platforms to improve efficiency.
• Support additional HR projects and initiatives as required.

Qualifications and requirements

This position is best suited for someone with a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a closely related discipline, though this is strongly preferred rather than mandatory. PHR or SHRM-CP certification is also highly preferred. Candidates should bring at least 5 years of progressive experience in HR operations.

• Strong working knowledge of HRIS platforms; experience with Paylocity is an advantage.
• Familiarity with employment and labor laws such as EEO, FLSA, FMLA, USERRA, ERISA, NLRA, and ADAA.
• Comfortable using Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent spoken and written communication abilities.
• Professional, ethical, and self-driven work style.
• Experience handling ISO audits or comparable compliance systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-service mindset for internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to balance several priorities and meet deadlines at the same time.
• Highly organized with strong time management and follow-through.
• Sharp attention to detail and a strong sense of accountability.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills in situations that affect timing, direction, and outcomes.
• Ability to design, improve, and sustain HR operational processes.
• Analytical, data-based approach to solving problems and making decisions.

Additional notes

The role also requires involvement in compliance activities, audit support, employee communications, and process documentation. The workplace location is the Washington DC-Baltimore Area, and the role is full-time and onsite.