Sr. Manager/Director of HR Operations

ZipRecruiter; Charlotte (NC); Remote; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a passionate Sr. Manager/Director of HR Operations to enhance employee experience and oversee HR functions. This role involves managing compliance, performance management, and employee relations while leading a dedicated HR team. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR operations experience, a strong understanding of remote work practices, and a commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture. Join us to make a significant impact in the educational sector!

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

Company paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Retirement plan with matching

Flexible Spending Account options

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Work-from-home expense reimbursement

Company paid time off (PTO)

Qualifications

• 5+ years in HR operations, 3 years in leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of employment laws and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR operations and ensure compliance.
• Lead a team of HR Specialists for smooth execution.

Skills

Leadership

HR Compliance Expertise

Performance Management

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR)

Tools

HRIS

Paycom

CompXL

Job description

Job Description

If you’re energized by purpose-driven work and thrive in environments where people, mission, and impact intersect—this is your moment. Riverside Insights is redefining how K–12 assessments empower educators and learners—and we’re looking for an HR leader who is passionate about building a workplace where people thrive.

At Riverside, we believe that people are our greatest asset—and how we support them matters. As the Sr. Manager/Director of HR Operations, you’ll be at the heart of building a best-in-class employee experience. In this pivotal role, you won’t just manage systems and policies—you’ll lead with intention, ensuring our operations reflect a culture of care, clarity, and continuous improvement.

You’ll oversee core HR operations, lead a team of HR Specialists, and bring sharp execution to everything from compliance and benefits to process improvement and employee support. With a mindset for service and a commitment to excellence, you’ll help scale processes that are not only efficient—but deeply aligned with our mission and values.

This is more than an operational role—it’s a chance to shape the employee experience at a company transforming how every student is seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

In this role, you will get to:

1. Drive Performance Management Excellence – Ensure that all employees receive the development, feedback, support, and coaching they need to excel in their role. Support leaders in articulating and fostering clear expectations and a culture of feedback for their people that builds high performing teams and business outcomes.
2. Lead HR Operations & Compliance – Manage all aspects of HR administration, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining accurate personnel data and reporting. Continuously improve HR processes, looking for opportunities to effectively leverage technology and automation, to increase speed, accuracy, and quality of service and to our people.
3. Optimize HR Reporting & Workforce Planning – Effectively leverage technology to improve and automate real-time reporting that enables effective decision-making on resource allocation. Make recommendations and lead execution of strategic workforce initiatives.
4. Enhance Employee Total Rewards & Payroll Operations – Oversee payroll, benefits administration, and total rewards programs. Design and continuously evolve offerings to attract and retain talent and ensure seamless administration of total rewards programs.
5. Own Employee Relations with Clarity and Care – Ensure timely and thoughtful resolution of employee concerns while proactively enhancing processes that support a positive and high-trust workplace.
6. Lead & Develop a High-Performing HR Operations Team – Manage and develop two HR Specialists to ensure smooth execution of HR processes and deliver a best-in-class employee experience.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. This list does not cover all possible duties, tasks, or responsibilities. Riverside Insights may amend or adjust responsibilities as needed to support business and organizational priorities.

Requirements

• Education – bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field; HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR) strongly preferred.
• Experience – 5+ years in HR operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing HR compliance, payroll, benefits administration, and HR process optimization in a remote work environment. Private Equity & M&A experience a plus.
• HR Compliance Expertise – Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including experience managing compliance-related filings (W-2s, EEO-1, 5500s, etc.).
• HR Process for Remote Work Environments – Strong understanding of best practices for HR operations in fully remote and distributed teams, including digital employee services and automation.
• People Data & Reporting – Experience leveraging HRIS, payroll, and compensation management tools (e.g., Paycom, CompXL) to drive data-driven decision-making.
• Performance Management & Employee Relations – Proven track record of coaching leaders through performance management processes and driving accountability.
• Leadership & Team Development – Experience leading and developing HR professionals to ensure high-quality HR service delivery.

Physical Requirements:

• Remote role – Charlotte, NC preferred. Must be comfortable working in a fully remote environment. Once a month on-site meeting in Charlotte.
• Up to 3% travel for off-site team meetings and company events.
• May require stationary positions (sitting or standing) for extended periods.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Company paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Supplemental life insurance options
• Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement plan with discretionary company matching
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Premium subscription to Calm for employee and dependents
• Company paid time off (PTO)
• 13 named holidays, 2 floating holidays, and 4 early-release half days
• Quarterly Focus Days
• Flexible work arrangements
• Work-from-home expense reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Company and 30/60/90 Day Onboarding

Compensation: A reasonable estimate of the base compensation range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000 USD. This range considers skills, experience, certifications, internal pay ranges, and market data.

Who is Riverside Insights? Riverside Insights is a growth-focused business on a mission to elevate one billion lives globally by 2030 through research-based assessments and technology for educational professionals, students, clinical and behavioral health clients, and workforce talent.

Why Join Our Team? At Riverside Insights, achieving real results for students and educators is our core. Join us to expand your skills in an ambitious, solution-focused team. Your well-being and dedication to impact are valued here.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Riverside Insights provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Our Commitment to Inclusion: We value and celebrate diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in our workplace.

Thank you for considering joining our team and our mission to elevate potential globally! Please visit www.riversideinsights.com to learn more about us.