Human Resources & Business Operations Manager

Company Description Harken Research is an

ISO17025

accredited testing laboratory located in the Los Angeles area with two core business units: consumer product testing and pharmaceutical contract research. Within the consumer product testing unit dietary supplements, food, and cosmetics are the focus - with additional testing services catering to other industries. Our strengths are our ability to offer customized testing and problem solving to address client needs; excellent customer service; and quick turnaround times. Summary Harken Research is seeking a highly capable and proactive HR & Business Operations Manager to take ownership of human resources, administrative operations, and core accounting support functions within our growing laboratory. This is a critical, high-impact role responsible for bringing structure, consistency, and accountability to internal processes. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted HR partner to leadership , helping navigate employee performance, disciplinary matters, and communication, while also ensuring smooth day-to-day business operations. Duties Human Resources & Employee Relations Manage full-cycle recruiting coordination: Post job openings, screen candidates, and conduct first-round interviews for all roles Prepare candidate summaries, notes, and hiring recommendations for management Coordinate and attend on-site interviews Partner with leadership to address employee performance and behavioral issues Prepare and maintain clear, compliant documentation for underperformance, warnings, and terminations Attend employee review and disciplinary meetings to: Structure conversations and keep discussions focused and professional De-escalate tension and guide effective communication Ensure managers communicate effectively and appropriately Advise management on best practices for employee communication, performance management, and conflict resolution Coordinate onboarding, including all new hire paperwork and orientation Administer employee benefits and maintain HR records Process payroll and ensure accuracy Enforce company policies (e.g., break/lunch compliance) and ensure consistency Train employees on core policies and procedures Maintain an open-door policy to address employee concerns Issue employee badges and manage access-related documentation Recommend and implement improvements to HR policies, forms, and the employee handbook Accounting, Billing & Financial Coordination Assist with invoicing and billing processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness Review vendor invoices, resolve discrepancies, and process payments Perform collections outreach (calls and emails) to ensure timely client payments Coordinate with the company's external CPA/accounting firm Help ensure taxes and other financial obligations are paid on time Maintain organized financial records and documentation Support additional accounting and financial processes as needed Business Operations & Office Management Serve as the primary point of contact for facility-related issues Coordinate contractors for building maintenance, repairs, and security needs Communicate with landlord regarding building and facility issues Oversee janitorial services and ensure quality of work Maintain organized records (physical and digital), including scanning and filing Manage compliance-related renewals (business licenses, insurance, waste disposal permits) Coordinate visits from clients, vendors, and service providers Purchasing & Vendor Management Order laboratory and office supplies Compare pricing across vendors to optimize cost and quality Build and maintain strong vendor relationships Track orders and follow up on deliveries and backorders Address and resolve vendor issues proactively Qualifications 5+ years of experience in HR, operations, or administrative leadership roles (multi-functional roles strongly preferred) Demonstrated experience handling employee relations, performance management, and disciplinary processes Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism Experience supporting accounting, billing, or financial coordination functions Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with HR/payroll/accounting systems is a plus Experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or regulated environment is a plus Daily Workflow & Priority Management Review the laboratory tracker each morning. Identify urgent, rush, and overdue assays. Set and communicate clear daily priorities. Meet face-to-face with scientists to ensure alignment and accountability. Monitor previous-day data for questionable results or potential repeat analysis. Ensure steady output of batch sheets so extraction staff are neither idle nor overloaded. Adjust priorities in real time when: Rush client requests arise, Tests are added late; Results require repeat analysis; Instruments experience downtime The Lab Manager owns the daily flow of work. Key Traits for Success Strong emotional intelligence and ability to navigate difficult conversations professionally Confident communicator who can guide and redirect conversations in real time Highly dependable with excellent follow-through and attention to detail Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset Ability to operate independently while supporting leadership Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment Compensation & Benefits $85,000 - $110,000/year (depending on experience) Health, dental, and vision insurance Paid holidays and PTO 401k with company match Opportunity for advancement To Apply Please include your resume and cover letter.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

QuickBooks:

1 year (Preferred) Human resources: 5 years (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Pasadena, CA 91105 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Pasadena, CA 91105: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person