Job Title:

HR & Payroll Operations Manager Department:

Human Resource Reports To:

COO Supervises:

HR Clerk FLSA Status:

Exempt Job Summary The HR & Payroll Operations Manager is responsible for the full ownership and management of all human resources and payroll functions , including talent acquisition, employee lifecycle management, compliance, payroll administration, and HR operations. This role ensures the accurate and timely execution of payroll , compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and the integrity of employee data and records. The HR & Payroll Operations Manager serves as the single point of accountability for HR performance , driving standardized processes, reporting, and continuous improvement across the organization. The position partners with leadership to support hiring, employee management, and organizational planning, while overseeing day-to-day HR operations with support from a part-time HR Clerk.

CORE RESPONSIBILITY AREAS 1. HR

Leadership & Employee Lifecycle Ownership Own and manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and separation Develop and enhance succession planning, employee development programs, and training initiatives Oversee employee relations, including discipline processes, grievances, and conflict resolution, ensuring consistency and compliance Conduct exit interviews and identify trends impacting turnover and engagement 2. Talent Acquisition & Hiring Ownership Own the full hiring process (requisition → offer → onboarding) Manage hiring pipeline, time-to-fill, and candidate flow Partner with leadership to define hiring needs and ensure alignment with organizational priorities Ensure consistent hiring practices, candidate evaluation, and onboarding standards 3. Policies, Compliance & Risk Management Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures; ensure annual review and updates Maintain employee handbook and ensure alignment with current regulations and company practices Ensure compliance with federal, state, and regulatory requirements Oversee HR audits and maintain all documentation audit-ready Manage workers' compensation, unemployment claims, and employee leave (FMLA or other) 4. Payroll & Benefits Oversight Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in coordination with Accounting and PEO Oversee compensation changes, salary adjustments, and payroll compliance Maintain and audit PTO, vacation, and leave balances to ensure accuracy and operational stability Manage benefits administration, including open enrollment and 401K programs 5. Compensation, Performance Management & Reporting Implement and maintain compensation structure, including salary reviews and market analysis Oversee performance evaluation processes, including tracking, reminders, and compliance Prepare and maintain HR reporting, including: headcount turnover hiring metrics compliance reports (IPEDS, ACA, EEO, 401K) Provide data-driven insights to leadership to support decision-making 6. HR Operations & Process Management Standardize HR processes across hiring, onboarding, payroll, and compliance Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements Ensure all employee records, payroll systems, and HR data are accurate and up to date Prepare and manage employee documentation, including contractual and employment status changes 7. Employee Programs & Organizational Support Coordinate employee welfare, safety, and wellness programs Support organizational initiatives such as training, employee engagement, and company events Ensure alignment between HR processes and operational needs across campuses 8. Team Oversight & Execution Management Direct and oversee the work of the HR Clerk (PT) Assign and monitor administrative HR tasks and ensure completion Ensure all onboarding, payroll support, and documentation processes are completed accurately and on time

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree within area of assigned responsibility; and one to two years related experience and training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to speak, write and read the English & Spanish
• Working knowledge of payroll best practice
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Internet Explorer.
• Working knowledge of e-Time and Kronos, ADP Systems, Payforce, Query, OASIS.
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material
• High degree of professionalism.
• Position requires individual to be mobile /ability to transport from one location to another one.
• Proficient in data entry and management

ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Demonstrated ability in the following areas:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and departments
• High level of confidence and independent decision-making, with the ability to take ownership and act without constant direction
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to assess situations and implement effective solutions
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability for outcomes
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and follow through on all assigned initiatives and projects
• Demonstrated ability to recognize issues, identify opportunities, and take proactive action
• Flexibility to adjust direction and make decisions as business needs change
• Strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and ownership of assigned functions
• Consistent reliability, professionalism, and strong track record of attendance, punctuality, and time management

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Customer service and employee support
• Organizational and prioritization skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Strong judgment and decision-making
• Effective communication (verbal and written)
• Information and data management
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Team collaboration with ability to operate independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office setting with travel to various sites and locations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify and distinguish colors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods while working at a computer terminal and/or using a telephone. Learned physical skill is required to perform keyboarding and/or ten-key functions, as well as, use repetitive wrist, hand, and/or finger movement, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

CULTURAL VALUES/ACCOUNTABILITY

• Demonstrating empathy, patience, and compassion through active listening and positive, constructive feedback.
• Assuming positive intent by withholding judgment and seeking understanding and being able to receive feedback.
• Communicating effectively by asking for clarification, avoiding blame, and finding mutual understanding.
• Demonstrating positive attitude through enthusiastic engagement, openness to new ideas and willingness to change.
• Igniting creativity and embracing collaboration across departments, programs, campuses and modalities to pursue innovation.

Pay:

From $65,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person