About Waterworks
When you see the world’s most inspiring homes and hotels, you invariably find Waterworks in the mix. For over 40 years, our designs have elevated the bath and kitchen experience, with exquisite fittings, fixtures, hardware and more. We strive to be participants in exceptional design moments not just through our products, but through how our company name shows up in the world at large.
What We Provide
What gives us an edge over our competitors is our people. We work in a highly collaborative, creative environment that values each team member’s contributions to our mission. We empower our associates with extensive training, career growth opportunities, competitive salaries, bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, and 401k retirement savings plan. We offer a generous PTO program (vacation, personal and sick time) with additional perks like some summer half days and a volunteer day. The company observes at least 8 federal holidays throughout the calendar year plus a floating holiday that associates can use at their discretion.
The Role
The Senior Manager, People Operations serves as the strategic and operational leader for the company’s HR Operations function, overseeing all aspects of HR service delivery, payroll, benefits administration, leave management, and compliance. This highly visible role acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and a key partner to associates across the organization. The Senior Manager provides both long‑term strategic direction and hands‑on oversight of core people processes that enable organizational performance and growth.
This role leads a small team and is accountable for building a scalable, best‑in‑class People Operations infrastructure that supports the company’s mission, culture, and business objectives.
The role is hybrid require onsite presence at the Danbury Corporate Headquarters a minimum of 3 days a week or as dictated by business need. Must be available periodically outside of normal business hours to support payroll, stock options, etc.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
Provide executive leadership of the People Operations function, ensuring excellence across HR operations, payroll, benefits (including wellness), leave management, HR compliance, policies, and reporting.
Serve as the primary HR partner to corporate, distribution, and selected sales organizations; deliver proactive guidance to leaders on talent, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience.
Develop and execute People Operations strategies that support organizational growth, operational efficiency, and a positive workplace culture.
Build and mentor a high‑performing People Operations team; establish performance expectations, operational standards, and professional growth pathways.
Benefits & Leave Administration
Oversee the administration of the full suite of employee benefits, including participation in annual plan renewal, strategic vendor management, and employee education.
Direct all aspects of leave management including FMLA, ADA, state leaves (PFL), STD/LTD, and internal leave processes ensuring compliance and a positive employee experience.
Payroll Leadership
Provide executive oversight of the payroll function for 400+ multi‑state U.S. employees and a small international population.
Ensure accurate and compliant bi‑weekly payroll processing, tax filings, wage and hour adherence, and all payroll‑related reporting.
Partner closely with Finance/Accounting to ensure accurate reconciliation, funding, and reporting of payroll and benefit‑related costs.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
Own the development, implementation, and maintenance of People Operations policies, procedures, and controls to ensure legal compliance and operational consistency.
Drive process improvements, systems optimization (including HRIS), and data‑driven decision making through effective reporting and analytics.
Lead company‑wide communication and rollout of HR initiatives, policies, programs, and events.
Other responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field; master’s degree and SHRM certification preferred.
7+ years progressively responsible HR generalist and HR operations experience, including hands‑on payroll and benefits administration.
Demonstrated experience leading HR operations or people‑centric functions; proven ability to manage, develop, and inspire teams.
Expertise in compliance across multi‑state environments.
Strong business acumen with the ability to link people initiatives to organizational goals and outcomes.
Exceptional communication, relationship‑building, and influencing skills at all levels of the organization.
Highly analytical, detail‑oriented, and adept at managing complex processes.
Proficiency with ADP or comparable HRIS, Microsoft Office, and advanced Excel.
High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and professional judgment.
Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on execution in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.
Travel required up to 10%
Our Values
Be Authentic: Engage in real conversations. Communicate honestly with respect and professionalism.
Raise The Bar: Share ideas to uphold our standard of excellence. Never settle for less than the best.
Own It: Be responsible for your results. Empower yourself and others to step forward and lead.
Partner For Perfection: Collaborate with peers and teammates to deliver superior service to our clients.
Love What You Do & Do What You Love: Generate excitement and enthusiasm for our brand and company.
Waterworks is committed to promoting pay equity. Rate of pay is determined based on each individual's experience, qualifications, and the geographic location of the role. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate's experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed above.
Waterworks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.
