People Operations Lead: Payroll, Benefits & HRIS

LeanData; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

LeanData seeks an experienced People Operations Manager in Santa Clara, CA to own payroll, benefits, HRIS, and compliance programs. You will lead cross-functional projects, advise leadership on operational matters, and leverage people analytics to drive improvements.

You will act as a strategic partner on employee relations and policy interpretation, ensuring scalable, compliant processes across the organization.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in HR/People Operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional HR projects from design to completion.
• Deep subject matter expertise in at least two of: benefits administration, compensation, HRIS management, or employee relations.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to use data to identify trends and influence decisions.
• Expertise in California and federal employment law and a track record of ensuring company-wide compliance.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguous situations and resolve complex issues with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the execution of core People Operations programs including payroll, benefits, HRIS management, and compliance—ensuring accuracy and operational excellence.
• Serve as SME on the HR technology stack, leading initiatives to optimize systems and data integrity.
• Act as primary escalation point for complex operational issues, providing expert analysis and resolution.
• Collaborate on cross-functional projects such as open enrollment, performance management cycles, and policy implementation.
• Audit and analyze HR processes, identify gaps, and design scalable solutions.
• Translate goals into actionable project plans, managing timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables.

Skills

HR analytics

Payroll management

Benefits administration

HRIS management

Employee relations

Cross-functional leadership

California employment law

Data-driven decision making

Tools

ADP WorkforceNow

Workday

BambooHR

Job description

LeanData seeks an experienced People Operations Manager in Santa Clara, CA to own payroll, benefits, HRIS, and compliance programs. You will lead cross-functional projects, advise leadership on operational matters, and leverage people analytics to drive improvements.

You will act as a strategic partner on employee relations and policy interpretation, ensuring scalable, compliant processes across the organization.