People Operations Lead - Payroll & HRIS (US/AMER)

Cognite; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) with employer matching

Health, dental, vision & disability

Unlimited PTO

Paid Parental Leave Program

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Cognite in Phoenix/Tempe, AZ is seeking a People Operations Manager to be the operational backbone of the US/AMER People function. This hands-on role handles payroll coordination, onboarding/offboarding, HRIS data management, benefits administration, and first-line employee support.

You will collaborate with the VP of People Operations & Rewards and Senior Director HR on compliance, drive process improvements, and ensure accurate data across HR systems in a fast-growing tech environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of HR Operations or People Operations experience in a fast‑paced, scaling environment.
• Experience with modern HRIS (HiBob) and payroll vendors such as ADP.
• Working knowledge of US federal and Arizona state employment law, including leave management and benefits compliance.
• Strong HRIS proficiency with a demonstrated commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; SPHR/SHRM‑SCP certification preferred.
• Hybrid in Phoenix/Tempe, AZ — 3 to 4 days per week in office.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day delivery of core people operations: payroll coordination, onboarding and offboarding, HRIS data management, benefits administration, and first-line employee support.
• Coordinate with outsourced ADP payroll provider; audit payroll data, HRIS records, and employee files for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage onboarding/offboarding for US/AMER employees; process HRIS lifecycle events (hires, role changes, leaves, promotions, transfers, terminations).
• Oversee benefits administration and vendor coordination; support renewals and open enrollment.
• Provide first-line HR support; ensure US employment compliance with the Senior Director, HR and cross‑functional partners.
• Maintain HRIS data integrity; identify and resolve data discrepancies; support system updates and process improvements.
• Drive process automation and SOP documentation; collaborate with global teams on standard practices.

Skills

HR Operations

Payroll coordination

HRIS proficiency

US employment law

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

SPHR/SHRM-SCP certification

Tools

HiBob

ADP payroll

Job description

Cognite in Phoenix/Tempe, AZ is seeking a People Operations Manager to be the operational backbone of the US/AMER People function. This hands-on role handles payroll coordination, onboarding/offboarding, HRIS data management, benefits administration, and first-line employee support.

You will collaborate with the VP of People Operations & Rewards and Senior Director HR on compliance, drive process improvements, and ensure accurate data across HR systems in a fast-growing tech environment.