People Operations Specialist

People Operations SpecialistHybridWHO WE ARE:Teague is an independent design consultancy that combines technology expertise with a deep understanding of human behavior to design what's next for companies in automotive, commercial aviation, smart cities and infrastructure, advanced mobility, technology, space, and defense. On any given day, you might be prototyping a new space station, designing cutting-edge technology, or traveling around the world conducting research. We are approaching our one-hundred-year anniversary and are proudly employee-owned. Our culture fosters collaboration, accountability, and stability - because when we succeed, we all win. Come be a part of something bigger than just a job - build your career with an employee-owned company that invests in you!ABOUT THE ROLE:You're the person who makes sure the behind-the-scenes pieces of the employee experience actually work. From getting a new hire set up for their first day to making sure everyone gets paid accurately and on time, you'll own the operational details that keep Teague's People team running smoothly.WHO YOU ARE:You like making complicated things feel simple. You're comfortable owning details, working with sensitive information, navigating ambiguity, identifying patterns (and their outliers!) and helping people without needing everything to be perfectly defined first.WHAT YOU'LL DO:OWNINGOwn the day-to-day administration and integrity of Teague's HRIS, ensuring employee data, records, and transactions are accurate, complete, and up to date.Own employee lifecycle processes including onboarding, offboarding, status changes, reorganizations, I-9 compliance, and employment verifications.Manage HRIS data and processes related to benefits, leaves of absence, and other employee programs, ensuring information flows accurately between systems and providers.Own the day-to-day execution of payroll processing, partnering with the People and Finance teams to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.Serve as a primary point of contact for employee questions related to HRIS, benefits, payroll, policies, and People Operations.Take ownership of problems from identification through resolution, bringing in the right partners when collaboration or escalation is needed.THINKINGInvestigate discrepancies and unexpected results across HR systems and employee data, using deductive reasoning to identify root causes and determine the appropriate resolution.Connect information across systems, processes, policies, and data to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and potential risks.Apply sound judgment when interpreting policies, navigating ambiguous situations, and determining when an issue requires additional research or escalation.Identify recurring questions, data issues, and process bottlenecks and recommend ways to improve accuracy, efficiency, and the employee experience.Stay current on relevant HR practices and compliance requirements and use that knowledge to inform processes and decisions.Approach problems with curiosity and initiative, moving work forward rather than waiting for a fully defined solution.DOINGMaintain and audit employee data across the HRIS and related systems, researching and resolving discrepancies as they arise.Process employee changes related to compensation, benefits, leave, employment status, organizational changes, and other lifecycle events.Process payroll transactions, research discrepancies, and support payroll reporting, tax filings, and year-end requirements.Coordinate benefits administration, including enrollment changes, billing audits, and communication with employees and external providers.Administer leave of absence and ADA accommodation processes with care, confidentiality, and attention to applicable requirements.Execute onboarding and offboarding logistics, including documentation, system access, and employee records.Provide backup support for compensation administration, new hire orientation, garnishments, wage compliance, and other People Operations processes as needed.WHAT YOU BRING:5+ years of experience in People Operations, HR, HRIS administration, or a related field, including experience managing employee data and HR systems.Hands-on experience administering an HRIS and maintaining accurate employee records; experience with Paylocity or a similar HR/payroll platform strongly preferred.Experience supporting benefits, leave administration, payroll, and employee lifecycle processes.Strong analytical and deductive reasoning skills, with the ability to investigate discrepancies, connect information across systems, and identify root causes.Excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, and discretion when handling confidential employee information and sensitive situations.Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with strong communication and collaboration skills; comfortable taking initiative, making recommendations, and working across teams.Working knowledge of employment practices, including leave of absence and ADA accommodation requirements, along with strong Excel skills and comfort learning new systems. A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.The annual salary range for this job in most US geographic locations is $75,000 - $100,000.This role is open to candidates based in Washington or Oregon. While the role may have flexibility for remote work, we're looking for someone who is within reasonable travel distance of our Seattle area offices and company gatherings.WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE:Creative Environment – Work with a talented and passionate team.Growth-Oriented – We support professional development and skill-building.Collaborative Culture – We value diverse perspectives and ideas.Impactful Work – Shape the future of design and create meaningful experiences.A Team That Cares – We believe great work comes from happy, inspired people.OUR COMMITMENT:At Teague, we believe that diversity fuels creativity, equity drives opportunity, inclusion fosters belonging, and accessibility makes innovation truly universal. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of background, identity, or lived experience, feels valued, heard, and empowered.We actively:Educate – Continuously learn and grow through focused training and resources.Celebrate – Honor diverse voices, perspectives, and contributions.Take Action – Prioritize inclusivity in our work, approach to hiring, and team culture.We are stronger together, and we welcome candidates who share our passion for designing a more inclusive and equitable future.WHY JOIN US?At Teague, we believe in fostering an environment where everyone thrives. Here's what makes us unique:We create new ways of working to drive innovation and adaptability.We trust one another, empowering collaboration and autonomy.We never stand still, embracing growth and continuous learning.We champion new ideas and perspectives, valuing creativity and fresh thinking.We celebrate our differences and foster an inclusive culture of belonging.We engage across diverse projects that challenge and inspire.We encourage work/life integration, promoting balance and well-being.WHAT WE OFFER:At Teague, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We search the globe to find and attract top talent from diverse backgrounds and value unique perspectives and experiences.Join an Employee-Owned Company! We are employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), meaning our people share in the long-term success of the business. Our ESOP fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and long-term stability because when we succeed, we all win together.We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that rewards you based on performance and recognition for the value you bring to Teague. Individual salaries within this range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and geography. In addition, our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes employer provided Short & Long-Term Disability and Life/AD&D insurance, alongside competitive dental and medical plans with a Health Savings Account option, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401k, and Parental Leave. We also offer voluntary benefits for vision, additional life, additional AD&D, accident & injury, critical illness, identity theft protections, legal and long-term care. Additionally, employees enjoy discounts on pet insurance and access to HealthCare Bluebook. As part of our comprehensive benefits package, full-time employees start by accruing 4 weeks of paid time off a year (prorated for