ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCE OPERATIONS

Manning Personnel Group, Inc.; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Manning Personnel Group, Inc. seeks an experienced Associate Director, Human Resources Operations to lead core HR operations, optimize HR systems, ensure compliance, and drive process improvements.

You will partner with cross‑functional teams to enable scalable, efficient HR practices in a fast‑paced environment. The role requires strong technical HR operations knowledge, leadership with contractors, and the ability to manage day‑to‑day tasks while advancing strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience with focus on HR Operations.
• Experience supporting high-growth organizations.
• Extensive HRIS experience with implementations or optimizations.
• Strong knowledge of federal/state employment laws and HR compliance.
• Experience managing compliance reporting and audits.
• Familiarity with immigration processes and external counsel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and process improvements.
• Experience managing contractors or project-based resources.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced evolving environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR tech platforms.
• Hybrid schedule with at least two onsite days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day HR operations, improving efficiency and employee experience.
• Own HR systems data integrity, integrations, reporting, and enhancements.
• Lead HR technology implementations, testing, and change management.
• Collaborate with Payroll, Finance, IT, Legal, and vendors on HR processes.
• Design and improve HR operational processes and workflows for growth.
• Develop and maintain policies, handbooks, SOPs, templates, and docs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws via audits and reporting.
• Oversee immigration processes with legal counsel and vendors.
• Manage HR reporting, data governance, and regulatory reporting.
• Build scalable HR processes to support business growth.
• Coordinate HR contractors and consultants to meet timelines.
• Partner with HR on benefits, onboarding, and employee experience.
• Drive continuous improvement with accuracy, confidentiality, and service.

Skills

HR Operations leadership

HRIS expertise

Compliance & policy

Process improvement

Data governance

Cross-functional partnering

Contractor management

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Associate Director, Human Resources Operations to lead and optimize core HR operations within a growing organization. This individual will play a key role in overseeing HR systems, compliance, process improvement, and operational excellence while partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure efficient, scalable, and compliant HR practices.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, self‑sufficient HR operations professional who can quickly step into a leadership role with minimal direction. This position requires strong technical aptitude, deep knowledge of HR operations and compliance, and the ability to balance strategic initiatives with day‑to‑day execution. Experience leading contractors, managing HR technology initiatives, and driving process improvements in a fast‑paced environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day HR operations while continuously identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and the employee experience.
• Serve as the primary owner of HR systems, ensuring data integrity, system optimization, integrations, reporting, and ongoing enhancements.
• Lead HR technology implementations, upgrades, testing, documentation, training, and change management initiatives.
• Partner with Payroll, Finance, IT, Legal, and external vendors to support HR systems, audits, and operational processes.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve HR operational processes and workflows to support organizational growth.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, employee handbooks, standard operating procedures, templates, and process documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws through proactive policy management, audits, reporting, and required compliance initiatives.
• Oversee immigration processes in partnership with legal counsel and external vendors.
• Manage HR reporting, audits, data governance, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Build scalable HR processes that improve operational effectiveness and support business growth.
• Lead and coordinate the work of HR contractors and external consultants, ensuring project timelines and deliverables are achieved.
• Partner with internal HR team members on benefits administration, onboarding, employee experience initiatives, and other operational priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, and service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience with a strong focus on HR Operations.
• Experience supporting high-growth organizations.
• Extensive HRIS experience, including system implementations, upgrades, or optimization projects.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, HR compliance, and policy administration.
• Experience managing compliance reporting, audits, and employment-related documentation.
• Familiarity with immigration processes and working with outside legal counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing contractors, consultants, or project‑based resources preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR technology platforms.
• Hybrid schedule with a minimum of two days per week onsite.

Compensation

$170-200k

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, color, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.