People Operations Lead (Senior Manager)

2nd Order Solutions; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

2nd Order Solutions is seeking a People Operations Lead to manage benefits, payroll, and HRIS across multiple states. This role focuses on accuracy, confidentiality, and employee experience within a small, collaborative team.

In a hybrid work environment, you will partner with Finance and leadership to optimize systems and programs that support growth and compliance. Paylocity experience is highly valued.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in HR, benefits administration, or HR generalist roles.
• PHR or SHRM-CP Certification.
• Hands-on experience managing benefits programs and multi-state payroll (Paylocity preferred).
• Strong understanding of HR compliance and confidentiality.
• Detail-oriented with analytical mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Own administration of employee benefits programs (health, dental, vision, 401(k)).
• Serve as liaison with benefits brokers and vendors.
• Manage open enrollment, employee education and communications.
• Ensure accurate setup and maintenance of HRIS/payroll data.
• Monitor benefits utilization and suggest plan improvements.
• Support semi-annual compensation benchmarking and review.
• Coordinate semi-monthly payroll across multiple states.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Own HRIS configuration and reporting in Paylocity.
• Drive performance management processes and cycles.
• Support broader HR initiatives and development opportunities.

Skills

HR experience

Benefits administration

HR generalist

Multi-state payroll

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office

Education

PHR or SHRM-CP Certification

Tools

Paylocity

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

2nd Order Solutions (2OS) is a boutique consulting firm that provides outstanding results in the credit and risk industry to clients all over the world.We offer a casual office environment, hybrid work schedules (spend at least 50% of your time in the office), competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits, and a team-oriented environment where our associates genuinely enjoy working together.

Our goal is to make 2OSa great placeto work for all, and our passion is our people. We never settle for “good enough” as we constantly strive to continue growing as a business for our team and to create an environment rooted in development and growth.

Overview

ThePeople Operations Lead will be a key member ofthe Staff team at 2OS, responsible for managing and optimizing core human resources functions with a focus on benefits administration,HRIS management,payroll, and performance management. This role will serve as the primary point of contact for employee experience-related processes, ensuring that systems and programs are efficient, compliant, and aligned with company values.

The ideal candidate is detail-orientedand proactive, owningHR operations in a smallbusiness,withastrong emphasis on confidentiality, employee support, and continuous improvement ofpeopleprocessesas we continue to grow.

KeyResponsibilities

Total Rewards Administration

• Own administration of all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and other retirement offerings
• Serve as the primary liaison with our benefits, brokers and vendors
• Manage open enrollment processes, including employee education and communications
• Ensureaccuratesetup and maintenance of employee benefit elections in HRIS/payroll systems
• Monitor benefitsutilizationand recommend improvements to plan design and cost efficiency
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., ACA, ERISA, COBRA,etc.)
• Support employees with benefits-related questions and issue resolution
• Support semi-annual compensation benchmarking and review

Payroll Coordination

• Coordinate and process semi-monthly payroll, across multiple states
• Ensureaccuratepayroll inputs, including benefit deductions, bonuses, reimbursements, and adjustments
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements
• Partner with Finance on reconciliation of payroll, including retirement contributions and benefit deductions
• Support setup of payroll tax registrations in new states as needed
• Continuouslyimprovepayroll processes for accuracy and efficiency

HRIS Administration & Systems Ownership

• Serve as the administrator of the company’s HRIS (Paylocity)
• Own system configuration, data integrity, user access, and reporting
• Ensureaccurateandtimelyupdates across employee records, compensation, benefits, and payroll data
• Partner with Finance and leadership to improve reporting and data visibility
• Evaluate and implement system enhancements, integrations, and new features
• Troubleshoot system issues and serve astheinternal expert on HR technology

Performance Management

• Own and continuously improve the company’s performance management processes
• Coordinate performance review cycles, including timelines, tools, and communications
• Track performance outcomes andidentifytrends to inform leadership decisions
• Update existing and build out descriptions for new roles / job families

Other:

• Support broader team initiatives as needed, including coordinating offsites, identifying and managing guest speakers, recruiting and facilitating access to training and professional development opportunities
• Serve as an HR consultant to a defined level of consultants, providing guidance on performance, employee relations, and development

Basic Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of experience in HR, benefits administration, or HR generalist roles
• PHR or SHRM-CP Certification
• Hands-on experience managing health and retirement benefits programsas well as multi-state payroll (with experience in Paylocity preferred)
• Strong understanding of HR compliance requirements and best practices
• High attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information confidentially
• Solutions-oriented mindset with initiative and the ability to workautonomously
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office Products isrequired

Success Metrics

• Highly reliableand detail-oriented in managing benefits, payroll, and HR systems
• Provides clear,timely, and supportive communication to employees and leadership
• Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability across HR operations
• Continuouslyidentifiesand implements improvements to systems and processes
• Balances compliance rigor with a practical, solutions-oriented approach

Direct Reports

N/A

$140,000 - $175,000 a year

2nd Order Solutions is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates relying solely on OPT or CPT are unfortunately not eligible.