HR Operations Manager in Indianapolis, Indiana at Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

OVERVIEW

The HR Operations Manager is responsible for executing a wide range of HR functions across the full Team Member lifecycle. This role ensures operational excellence across payroll, benefits, compliance and audit, HRIS/data management, leave of absence administration, wellness programming, and related communications. The HR Operations Manager collaborates cross-functionally to deliver a seamless, inclusive, and engaging Team Member experience, while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across HR operations. Occasional travel required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll & Compliance

• Execute multi-state payroll processing in partnership with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
• Manage document retention and support internal/external audits.
• Administer leave and accommodation programs (FMLA, ADA, etc.) in accordance with applicable laws and internal policies.
• Manage employment eligibility and compliance, including I-9 verification and documentation, new hire reporting, completion tracking for required forms and training, and administration of annual organizational compliance training.

Benefits Administration & Analysis

• Administer benefits programs including enrollment, life events, open enrollment, file feeds, and vendor coordination.
• Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate reporting and timely payment.
• Participate in collaboration efforts with external benefits advisors to assess plan performance and alignment with organizational goals.
• Analyze benefits utilization and cost trends to identify patterns, inform communication and education strategies, and support Team Member utilization.
• Develop and deliver clear, engaging communications to help Team Members understand and maximize their benefits.

HRIS & Reporting

• Maintain and optimize HRIS (Paylocity), ensuring data accuracy and system integrity.
• Provide accurate, timely, and proactive reporting to fulfill team level and cross-functional data needs, support informed decision-making, and enable continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation of self-service tools and automation aligned with organizational goals.

Wellbeing Program Management

• Manage the organizational wellness program and platform, aligning programming with strategic goals to improve engagement and impact.
• Coordinate wellness initiatives that address key organizational health conditions and promote holistic well-being.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver meaningful wellness education and resources.
• Lead the internal wellbeing committee, creating a structured forum for team member input, idea sharing, and ongoing program evolution while actively engaging and encouraging broad participation across the organization.
• Track and report participation and outcomes to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for enhancement.

Cross-Functional Support and Continuous Improvement

• Serve as a subject matter expert and point of contact for HR-related inquiries.
• Manage the Talent Experience inbox, categorizing requests and support needs to ensure appropriate and timely responses.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, and other departments to ensure alignment and accuracy in shared processes.
• Maintain and publish HR resources on internal platforms to ensure accessibility and clarity.
• Stay current with HR trends, compliance updates, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and recommend enhancements to existing tools and workflows.
• Identify and recommend potential opportunities to incorporate innovative methods and emerging trends within area of expertise.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• SHRM-CP, PHR, or other related HR certification is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field of study, or equivalent related experience.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• A customer-centric approach to all internal and external interactions.
• Values and leverages the unique strengths and perspectives of each Team Member.
• Takes pride in the work, celebrates success, and has fun.
• Approaches work with curiosity and experimentation.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and be detail oriented.
• Ability to take initiative and work proactively.
• Ability to work independently, resourcefully seek answers, and remove obstacles.
• Results-oriented with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion, integrity, and tact.
• A high sense of urgency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and balance urgent tasks with strategic projects.
• The ability to influence professionally and constructively.
• Accountable and takes ownership.
• Excellent judgment and ability to adapt to changing priorities with ease and efficiency.