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 ResponsibilitiesOwn 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 Qualifications5 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. Boston, MA, US Hybrid Banking & Financial Services (includes Investment Banking), Finance and Insurance Vaco $ 110000.00 - 130000.00 yearly direct hire