HR Operations Lead POST NUMBER: 158418

Our client is seeking an experienced HR Operations Lead to join their growing organization north of Nashville, TN. This highly visible role will serve as a strategic partner to HR leadership while owning the systems, processes, and infrastructure that support the employee experience. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in HR Operations, HRIS administration, payroll oversight, systems implementation, process improvement, and organizational change management . This is an excellent opportunity for a builder who thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments and enjoys creating scalable solutions that support long-term growth. Duties: Own HR operations, including HRIS administration, data integrity, reporting, compliance, payroll oversight, benefits administration, and employee lifecycle processes. Lead HR technology initiatives including HRIS evaluations, implementations, system enhancements, integrations, workflow automation, and vendor management. Oversee payroll operations across multiple entities and states, including future payroll system selection, transition planning, process design, and change management efforts. Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, SOPs, and documentation that support scalable and compliant operations. Manage employee experience initiatives including onboarding, offboarding, employee changes, internal communications, and HR self-service resources. Partner with leadership on organizational growth initiatives, integrations, acquisitions, and people-related operational projects. Monitor and maintain compliance with employment laws, leave programs, workers' compensation, workplace safety, and benefits-related requirements. Lead cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, providing structure, project plans, communication strategies, and measurable outcomes. Identify opportunities for automation, AI-enabled solutions, and process improvements that increase efficiency and enhance employee experience. Provide leadership, coaching, and development for direct reports while helping build a high-performing HR Operations function. Requirements: 8 years of progressive experience in HR Operations, HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, people operations, or related functions. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; HR certifications are a plus. Demonstrated experience owning HRIS platforms, including administration, reporting, data integrity, system enhancements, implementations, conversions, or vendor evaluations. Experience supporting payroll operations in a multi-state and/or multi-entity environment, including vendor partnership and process improvement initiatives. Strong project management experience leading complex operational initiatives, system implementations, and organizational change efforts. Experience navigating growth, integration, acquisition, or transformation environments preferred. Experience with HR technologies, reporting tools, integrations, automation, and payroll systems strongly preferred. Title: HR Operations Lead Location: Greater Nashville area ( north side of the city / Hybrid - 4 Days Onsite / 1 Day Remote) Length of Position: Direct Hire Compensation: $110,000-$120,000 Base Salary Travel: Up to 10% as needed Schedule: Monday-Friday, Standard Business Hours 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.