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 Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. 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. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.