People and Culture Operations Lead

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects in Orlando, FL is seeking a highly organized People & Culture Operations Lead to oversee the daily HR operations for a multi-state workforce. You will manage employee lifecycle processes, HRIS data, payroll coordination, and compliance to ensure a consistent, compliant, and people-centric experience.

This role drives process improvement, supports reporting and analytics, and partners with leaders to deliver exceptional service to employees and managers across the

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in HR operations, human resources administration, payroll, or related functions.
• Experience supporting a multi-state workforce preferred.
• Experience administering HRIS systems and supporting workforce reporting and analytics.
• Preferred certifications: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience in professional services or architecture/engineering environments is a plus.
• Strong Excel and reporting skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations and employee lifecycle administration.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures for consistency and compliance.
• Improve efficiency through process enhancements, automation, and system optimization.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers on People & Culture programs and policies.
• Support department initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Maintain HRIS data integrity, accuracy, and security.
• Coordinate multi-state payroll with Finance and providers.
• Assist with payroll audits, reporting requirements, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate onboarding, background screening, I-9, and new hire orientation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and maintain policy content.

Skills

HR operations

Payroll processes

Employee lifecycle administration

HRIS management

Data analysis

Reporting

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Policy administration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

5+ years experience in HR operations

Experience supporting a multi-state workforce

Industry experience in professional services (architecture/engineering/consulting)

HRIS administration experience

Tools

Paylocity

ADP

UKG

Workday

Job description

Cuhaci Peterson is seeking a highly organized and service-oriented People & Culture (HR) Operations Lead to oversee the day-to-day operations of the People & Culture function. Supporting a multi-state workforce, this role serves as the operational backbone of the department, leading employee lifecycle administration, HR systems management, payroll coordination, compliance, workforce reporting, and employee support services. The People & Culture Operations Lead drives process improvement, operational efficiency, and data integrity while ensuring a consistent, compliant, and employee-focused experience that supports Organizational growth and delivers exceptional service to employees and leaders across the firm.

Essential Responsibilities

People & Culture Operations

• Serve as the primary administrator for People & Culture operational processes, policies, and procedures.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and compliance across the employee lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through process enhancements, automation, and system optimization.
• Act as a trusted resource for employees and managers regarding People & Culture programs, policies, and employment-related questions.
• Support the execution of department initiatives, projects, and organizational priorities.

HRIS, Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, and security of employee data within the HRIS.
• Process employee status changes, compensation updates, promotions, transfers, and organizational changes.
• Generate and analyze workforce metrics including headcount, turnover, retention, absenteeism, and staffing trends.
• Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports for leadership to support business decisions and
• workforce planning.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Create reports, dashboards, and workforce analytics to support strategic decision-making.

Payroll Administration & Coordination

• Partner with Finance and payroll providers to ensure timely and accurate multi-state payroll processing.
• Review payroll changes, employee updates, and supporting documentation for accuracy.
• Assist with payroll audits, reporting requirements, and issue resolution.
• Maintain payroll-related records and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Support annual compensation updates, bonus administration, and employee compensation records.

Employee Lifecycle Administration

• Coordinate onboarding activities including background screening, employment documentation, I-9 verification, HRIS setup, and new hire orientation.
• Ensure a positive and efficient onboarding experience for all new employees.
• Administer employee changes including promotions, transfers, compensation adjustments, and employment status updates.
• Manage offboarding processes, exit interviews, separation documentation, and final employment records.
• Coordinate leave of absence administration and maintain related documentation.
• Maintain personnel files and employee records throughout the employment lifecycle.

Compliance & Policy Administration

• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all company locations.
• Maintain employee records, required employment documentation, labor law postings, and policy acknowledgments.
• Coordinate EEO-1 reporting, unemployment claims administration, and compliance-related audits.
• Assist with workplace investigations, corrective actions, and documentation as needed.
• Track professional licenses, certifications, continuing education requirements, and related records.
• Maintain and update employee handbook content, policies, forms, and People & Culture documentation.

Employee Experience & Engagement

• Support employee engagement, recognition, wellness, and culture initiatives.
• Coordinate employee communications and department-wide announcements.
• Assist with employee events, celebrations, service awards, volunteer initiatives, and culture building activities.
• Partner with department leaders to promote a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace environment.
• Serve as a responsive and approachable resource for employee support and guidance.
• Support performance management, employee surveys, and other organizational development initiatives.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in HR operations, human resources administration,
• payroll, or related functions.
• Experience supporting a multi-state workforce preferred.
• Professional services, architecture, engineering, consulting, or similar industry experience
• preferred.
• Experience administering HRIS systems and supporting workforce reporting and analytics.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of HR operations, employee lifecycle administration, payroll processes, and employment compliance.
• Experience with HRIS platforms such as Paylocity, ADP, UKG, Workday, or similar systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and workforce reporting.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.
• Experience supporting a growing, multi-office organization.
• Experience developing HR processes, policies, and operational procedures.