Senior People Operations Specialist

Title: Senior People Operations Specialist

Department: People Operations / HR
Reports To: Director of People / Head of HR
Location: Open to Remote, Hybrid, or Onsite 

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and systems-savvy Senior People Operations Specialist with 5-7 years of experience to support and optimize core HR operations. This role is responsible for managing the full employee lifecycle, administering benefits and leave programs, owning HR systems configuration, and leveraging AI tools to enhance operational efficiency. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values compliance and accuracy, and is passionate about improving employee experience through scalable systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Lifecycle Management

• Lead and execute end-to-end onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring a seamless and compliant employee experience.
• Manage new hire documentation, I-9 verification, background checks, and system setup.
• Coordinate and schedule interviews with hiring managers and team members, including preparing and distributing interview guides.
• Conduct exit processes including documentation, benefits transition, and system deactivation, including exit interviews.

Leave of Absence (LOA) Administration

• Administer and track all employee leave programs including FMLA, ADA, parental leave, short-term and long-term disability, and state/local leave programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding leave policies and processes.
• Coordinate with payroll and benefits providers to ensure accurate leave pay and deductions.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local leave regulations.

Benefits Administration

• Support day-to-day benefits administration including enrollments, life event changes, and open enrollment processes.
• Partner with brokers and vendors to resolve employee inquiries.
• Maintain benefits documentation and employee communications.

HRIS System Administration & Configuration

• Serve as HRIS system administrator (e.g., Ceridian/Dayforce, Lattice, Greenhouse, etc.).
• Configure workflows, fields, security roles, automations, and reporting dashboards.
• Ensure data integrity through regular audits and system maintenance.
• Support system integrations with payroll, benefits, ATS, and other platforms.
• Document system processes and train stakeholders on HR systems functionality.

AI & Process Optimization

• Identify opportunities to leverage AI tools and automation to improve People Operations processes.
• Implement AI-driven solutions for reporting, onboarding workflows, knowledge management, and employee self-service.
• Analyze HR metrics and generate insights using AI-enabled analytics tools.
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and employee experience.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain personnel records in compliance with employment laws and internal policies.
• Prepare reports and audits related to headcount, turnover, benefits, and compliance.
• Support policy updates and process documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent).
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in People Operations, HR Operations, etc roles.
• Hands-on experience administering LOA programs and benefits.
• Experience serving as HRIS system administrator, including configuration and reporting.
• Familiarity with HR compliance requirements (FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, COBRA, etc.).
• Experience leveraging AI tools or automation platforms in HR operations.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience in a high-growth or technology-driven organization, preferred

Core Competencies

Accountability

Adaptability

Applied Learning

Business Acumen

Collaboration

Customer Focus

Dealing w/Ambiguity

Decision Making

Driving for Results

Initiating Action

Planning and Organizing

Technical/Professional Knowledge