HR - Employee Relations - Manager - HR Operations

TITLE: MANAGER – HR OPERATIONS

STATUS: EXEMPT

REPORT TO: SENIOR MANAGER – EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

DEPARTMENT: HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB CODE: 11911

PAY RANGE: $122,900.00 - $150,000.00 ANNUALLY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The HR Operations Manager will provide strategic direction and operational leadership in the areas of ADA accommodations, leave administration, workers’ compensation, and employee relations. This leader will support the Employee Relations (ER) Specialist team and the ADA and Leave Management Specialists by offering expert guidance, developing consistent processes, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The ideal candidate will be a strong coach and program leader—driving efficiency, building scalable procedures, and promoting a supportive and legally sound employee experience across the organization.

TASKS, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS:

1. Lead and mentor team members responsible for ADA, leave, and workers’ compensation administration.
2. Provide day-to-day strategic support to ER Specialists, helping them navigate complex cases and ensuring alignment with the HRBPs.
3. Act as a key HR leader and liaison within the organization, fostering strong partnerships across all HR functions and departments to ensure cohesive operations, consistent communication, and alignment.
4. Build team capability by delivering coaching, performance feedback, and best practice sharing.
5. Lead the strategic direction and execution of ADA accommodations and statutory leave programs (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, etc.), serving as the organization’s expert and primary resource.
6. Drive and oversee the interactive process for disability accommodation, ensuring timely, consistent, and compliant case management while fostering a culture of inclusion.
7. Design, implement, and continuously improve policies and workflows to streamline ADA and leave management, reinforce legal compliance, and promote operational excellence across the organization.
8. Direct workers’ compensation strategy, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and alignment with internal processes.
9. Act as a liaison with third-party administrators to monitor and improve claims management and resolution timelines.
10. Collaborate with Facilities and IT to support ergonomic solutions and workplace safety enhancements.
11. Develop, implement, and maintain policies and standard operating procedures related to ADA, leaves of absence, and workers’ compensation.
12. Monitor legal developments at the federal and state level and translate changes into updated HR practices and internal communications.
13. Leverage data to identify trends, optimize program performance, and proactively mitigate organizational risk.
14. Serve as a trusted escalation point for complex or sensitive ER cases involving accommodations or injury claims.
15. Collaborate with the ER Specialist team to resolve concerns, advise on investigations, and promote consistent application of policies.
16. Maintain thorough documentation practices that support regulatory compliance and HR record integrity.
17. Collaborate with HR stakeholders and business leaders to deliver integrated HR solutions that support employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
18. Leads initiatives that position the organization as an employer of choice through innovative, employee-centric practices.
19. Drives continuous improvement in HR operations, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.
20. Ensures DEI principles are embedded in all HR operations and employee relations practices.

PHYSICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXERTION UTILIZED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE TASK:

1. Prolonged sitting throughout the workday with occasional mobility required.
2. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity to skillfully operate an on-line computer terminal and other standard office equipment, such as financial calculators, personal computer, facsimile machine, and telephone.
3. Corrected vision within the normal range.
4. Hearing within normal range.
5. Ability to lift 15 lbs. may be required.
6. Occasional movements throughout the department daily to interact with staff, accomplish tasks, etc.
7. Ability to travel for business, as needed.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS & RELATIONSHIPS:

1. INTERNAL: All levels of staff and management.
2. EXTERNAL: Legal counsel, benefits administrators, and other vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 5–7+ years of progressive HR experience, with emphasis on employee relations, ADA, and leave management programs.
• KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS:
  • Expert knowledge of employee relations, ADA, FMLA, and other employment-related laws and regulations.
  • Strong understanding of HR compliance and leave administration best practices.
  • Ability to manage sensitive and complex employee relations issues with discretion and professionalism.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
  • Operates independently and sets priorities effectively. 

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

Senior/Professional in Human Resources (S/PHR) Certificate or SHRM Senior/Certified Professional (SHRM-S/CP) a plus.

#LI-Hybrid

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY STATES OR IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED BY THIS EMPLOYEE. HE OR SHE WILL BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW OTHER INSTRUCTIONS AND TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES REQUESTED BY HIS OR HER SUPERVISOR THAT ARE WITHIN HIS / HER KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY AS WELL AS HIS / HER MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES.

REV. 7/3/2025