HR Operations Lead: Compliance and Systems Impact

UR University of Richmond; United States; On-site; USD 58,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Richmond is seeking an HR Operations Lead who will serve as a subject matter expert on HR programs, processes, and systems, focusing on I-9 compliance and employee lifecycle transactions. You will partner with HRIS, Payroll, Legal, and Compliance to strengthen operational effectiveness and deliver a high-quality employee and manager experience.

With 4–6 years of HR operations experience, you will lead process improvements, data integrity, and escalation management, while

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of hands-on HR operations experience, with expertise in employee lifecycle processes.
• Strong experience with I-9 employment eligibility verification requirements, including documentation review and compliance audits.
• Experience managing employee transactions within an HRIS or payroll system.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, with exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state employment compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, deadlines, and recurring responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Sound professional judgment and the ability to navigate ambiguity, exercise discretion, and resolve complex issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential employee data and other sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, take ownership of escalated issues, and proactively identify opportunities for operational improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate information on employee benefits, compensation, talent management, and payroll; research solutions; resolve issues.
• Recommends solutions to HR issues and questions by researching applicable laws and UR policies and practices; gathering data from HR systems and external vendors; and discussions with UR managers, department representatives and employees.
• Manage and resolve complex or escalated employee transactions, including onboarding, promotions, transfers, benefits enrollment, terminations, and other employee record changes.
• Research and coordinate employee updates with appropriate HR subject matter experts to research complex issues, clarify to facilitate timely issue resolution and ensure consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex HR operations matters, providing day‑to‑day guidance to HR Representatives and HR Coordinators in resolving employee issues.
• Manages front lobby operations ensuring adequate coverage of front desk, URHR email, and phone line.
• Prepares and circulates letters for complex employee transitions ensuring timely and accurate informational assistance.
• Follows up with employees, department representatives, and managers as necessary.
• Translate operational data and technical information into clear, actionable summaries for HR peers, employees, and managers.
• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, HR COEs, HRIS, Payroll, and other cross‑functional partners to ensure effective execution of HR programs and processes.
• Promote knowledge sharing, cross‑training, and consistent practices across HR Operations and ensure effective employee and manager support, cross‑training, collaboration, and departmental coverage.
• In close collaboration with CHRO and Director of HR Operations, manages and monitors the HR budget, ensuring invoices and credit card statements are submitted timely and accurately.
• Reviews budget and prepares quarterly budget status reports to HR Directors.
• Provides support to HR Coordinator regarding HR contract administration.

Skills

HR operations

I-9 compliance

Data integrity

HR systems

Project management

Attention to detail

Tools

Workday

Job description

The University of Richmond is seeking an HR Operations Lead who will serve as a subject matter expert on HR programs, processes, and systems, focusing on I-9 compliance and employee lifecycle transactions. You will partner with HRIS, Payroll, Legal, and Compliance to strengthen operational effectiveness and deliver a high-quality employee and manager experience.

With 4–6 years of HR operations experience, you will lead process improvements, data integrity, and escalation management, while