HR Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced HR Operations Manager to serve as the operational backbone of our People function. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate, compliant, and employee‑focused HR operations, with a strong emphasis on payroll oversight, HRIS optimization, and cross‑functional partnership with Finance. Key Responsibilities Own end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing across all pay cycles Serve as the primary point of coordination between HR, Finance, and external payroll partners, acting as the central "air traffic controller" for all payroll activities Oversee a third‑party payroll data‑entry vendor, providing governance, quality assurance, issue resolution, and ongoing partnership management Apply prior hands‑on payroll processing experience to validate outputs, resolve complex payroll issues, and confidently support employee inquiries Partner closely with Finance on payroll timelines, reconciliations, reporting, and exception management Manage and optimize HRIS functionality with a strong focus on UKG, ensuring systems are effective, accurate, and scalable Support and improve HR workflows and processes, reducing manual effort and identifying opportunities for system automation and integration Participate in HRIS implementations, upgrades, or process redesign initiatives, including integration between systems such as ATS, payroll, and HR platforms Pull reports and analyze data from Workday to support leadership, Finance, and compensation planning needs Assist with preparation for the year‑end compensation cycle by providing reporting, data validation, and operational support to senior leadership Qualifications 5+ years of progressive HR operations experience, with deep payroll expertise as a core competency Proven, hands‑on experience processing payroll and managing payroll operations; UKG experience strongly preferred Experience working within Workday for reporting, employee data, and HR operations Demonstrated ability to manage vendors and external partners while maintaining accountability and service quality Strong HRIS knowledge, including system workflows, process design, and continuous improvement Prior involvement in HRIS or payroll system implementations is a plus Highly collaborative mindset with experience partnering cross‑functionally, particularly with Finance Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to clearly explain complex payroll or HR topics to employees Detail‑oriented, organized, and comfortable operating as a central coordinator across multiple workstreams Benefits Eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. #J-18808-Ljbffr