People Operations Specialist

People Operations Specialist

Santa Monica, CA or Phoenix, AZ

We offer a hybrid work environment. Most US-based positions can also be performed remotely (any exceptions will be noted in the Minimum Qualifications below.)

Our Mission:

To actively connect people to their next great opportunity.

Who We Are:

ZipRecruiter is a leading online employment marketplace. Powered by AI-driven smart matching technology, the company actively connects millions of all-sized businesses and job seekers through innovative mobile, web, and email services, as well as through partnerships with the best job boards on the web. ZipRecruiter has the #1 rated job search app on iOS & Android.

Summary:

As a People Operations Specialist, you will run the day-to-day engine of the People Operations team, focusing heavily on data auditing, system data entry, and providing administrative support across HR operations, HR technology, compliance, and immigration. This is an early-career role designed for someone who thrives on structure, accuracy, and operational excellence.

Operating primarily through established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), you will help ensure strong data integrity and consistent operational execution across daily People workflows. You will serve as a dependable executor and clear communicator, helping employees navigate established people practices and answering procedural questions with accuracy and care.

The ideal candidate brings a structured approach to problem-solving, a commitment to precision, and a high level of accountability when handling sensitive employee information. You possess a natural curiosity to learn core people systems, an adaptable mindset ready to meet changing business workflows, and a strong sense of personal organization that drives daily execution. You excel in a collaborative team environment where reliability, respect for others, and steady time management are critical to delivering operational excellence.

This role reports to the Sr. Manager, People Business Partner (PBP) for Tech & Product.

Key Focuses:

• HRIS administration & data management: Own end-to-end data entry for employee lifecycle changes, including new hire profile creation, contractor onboarding, manager changes, role/department updates, compensation changes, promotions/demotions, unemployment claims, and offboarding.
• Tier 1 employee support: Monitor and respond to incoming inquiries through the HRIS helpdesk inbox, providing clear, accurate guidance for standard employee questions.
• HR tech troubleshooting: Act as the first line of support for Tier 1 issues across HR systems (including ADP, Culture Amp, Bonusly, Pave, and other internal tools).
• Data integrity & auditing: Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly audits across HR systems to ensure high levels of data accuracy and integrity.
• Compliance & internal audit support: Assist with administrative verification for compliance and internal audit testing; support monitoring, tracking, and remediation of compliance-related actions in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Regulatory reporting support: Assist in gathering and validating data for annual compliance reporting, including EEO-1 and California Pay Data reporting.
• Immigration & work authorization support: Manage and update US employment authorization documentation (I-9s) and support transactional components of immigrant and non-immigrant visa processes in partnership with internal teams.
• Employee recognition administration: Support foundational inquiries and administrative tasks related to Bonusly and employee recognition programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 0-2 years of experience in HR operations, HR administration, data entry, or a related operational role (internship experience accepted).
• Ability to work in office 3 days per week (we have offices in Santa Monica, CA & Phoenix, AZ)
• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong ability to identify inconsistencies, discrepancies, and data quality issues.
• Strong affinity for systems and technology, with exposure to HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR) or similar tools preferred.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets (Google Sheets / Excel) for tracking, validation, and data organization.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment where accuracy directly impacts payroll, compliance, and employee experience.
• High level of integrity and strict commitment to handling sensitive employee information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a focus on empathy, clarity, and employee support.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with HRIS platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR, Workday, or similar systems.
• Exposure to HR compliance processes, I-9 administration, or immigration support workflows.
• Experience supporting shared inboxes, helpdesk queues, or operational support functions.
• Comfort with basic HR tech troubleshooting and employee systems support.
• Interest in building a long-term career in People Operations, HR, or Employee Experience.

As part of our team you'll enjoy:

• Competitive salary
• Exceptional benefits package
• Flexible vacation and paid time off
• Employer matched 401(k) plan

This is a hybrid position with an expectation of three days per week onsite. We operate out of our Phoenix and Santa Monica offices, and candidates must be located within commuting distance of one of these areas.

ZipRecruiter is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetics.