People Operations Manager

The Manager, People Operations leads the operational and data backbone of Delta's People team - HRIS & People Analytics, and Payroll & Benefits. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this leader keeps the engine running so the rest of the team can focus on partnering the business: accurate pay and benefits, trusted people data, working systems, and sound operational compliance. It's hands-on leadership - close enough to the work to coach it, senior enough to own the function. Lead and develop the team Lead the HRIS / People Analytics lead, and the Payroll & Benefits Supervisor - set clear goals and priorities, manage performance, and keep the work on track. Develop and grow two early-career team members. Coaching and building their capability is a core part of this role, not a side duty - give them the dedicated manager the function has been missing. Build real backup across HRIS and payroll/benefits so no critical function rests on a single person. Run the team with accountability and a bias to getting things right the first time. Run the People operations engine Own accurate, on-time payroll and benefits administration across Delta's multi-state footprint. Own a reliable HRIS and a people-analytics capability leadership can trust - clean data, useful reporting, and a sensible systems roadmap. Manage HR systems and vendors, and keep processes simple, documented, and built to scale. Compensation & benefits operations Run compensation and benefits benchmarking (PayFactors) and bring forward clear, well-supported recommendations. Compensation and benefits strategy sits with the Chief People Officer - this role supplies the data, analysis, and options that inform it and executes against it. HR operations & compliance Own operational compliance - filings, eligibility/I-9, pay practices, records, and audits - and keep HR operations aligned with employment law and company policy, flagging risk to the CPO/legal early. Partner across the People team Partner closely with Talent & People Partnerships on data, leveling, offers, and process, and support L&D, Culture, and the rest of the function with the systems and data they rely on. What we're looking for Bachelor's in HR, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. A certification in HR, comp, or payroll (SHRM-CP/SCP, CCP, CPP, PHR) is a plus, not a requirement. 5-8+ years in HR operations, people systems, payroll/benefits, or total rewards, including experience leading or developing others. Hands-on knowledge of HRIS/HCM systems and people data/reporting, plus multi-state payroll and benefits administration. Solid grasp of employment and pay compliance. Genuinely enjoys growing early-career talent - not just running process. Organized, detail-strong, and calm under deadlines; low ego, high ownership. A real fit for Delta's culture. This position is located at our Headquarters in West Bend, WI. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Delta Defense