HR Operations Manager

M2 Ingredients•Vista, MO

1d•$110,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

M2 Ingredients is seeking an experienced HR Operations Manager to drive the day-to-day execution of people operations. This role involves being a hands-on HR partner to employees and managers, owning and supporting key HR programs such as payroll, HRIS, benefits, leaves of absence, workers' compensation, employee relations, performance management, recruiting, and employment compliance. The position requires close proximity to the business and employees, solving problems, answering questions, supporting managers, ensuring HR processes run accurately, and identifying areas for operational improvement. The ideal candidate will have strong HR fundamentals and sound judgment, capable of independently managing routine HR matters while knowing when to escalate complex situations.

Requirements

5-7 years of progressive Human Resources experience with broad HR generalist or HR operations responsibilities.
Current professional HR certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or an equivalent recognized HR certification.
Comfortable supporting both hourly and salaried employee populations.
Hands-on experience across payroll, HRIS, benefits administration, leaves of absence, workers' compensation, employee relations, performance management, and employment compliance.
Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
Ability to independently handle routine HR matters while recognizing when something needs to be escalated.
Comfortable working with HR systems, payroll data, reporting, and an integrated HRIS/payroll platform.
Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Approachable and communicate effectively with employees and managers at all levels.
Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and sound judgment when handling sensitive employee matters.
Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
California employment law experience is strongly preferred.
Experience in manufacturing, CPG, food manufacturing, distribution, or a similar operational environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

Administer payroll, including employee changes, timekeeping, PTO, payroll inputs, audits, reconciliations, corrections, and employee inquiries.
Maintain HRIS data, employee transactions, workflows, reporting, and system accuracy.
Conduct routine audits of payroll, HRIS, employee records, and HR processes to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Maintain accurate employee records and documentation throughout the employee lifecycle.
Troubleshoot payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping issues and coordinate with vendors as needed.
Administer employee benefit programs, including eligibility, enrollments, qualifying life events, reconciliations, COBRA coordination, and annual open enrollment.
Resolve routine employee benefit questions and administrative issues and coordinate with benefit vendors as needed.
Administer leaves of absence, including required documentation, notices, tracking, benefit coordination, and return-to-work activities.
Support workplace accommodation processes in partnership with the Senior Director of HR.
Manage day-to-day workers' compensation claims, including claim reporting, documentation, carrier communication, work restrictions, and return-to-work coordination.
Escalate complex, sensitive, or high-risk benefit, leave, accommodation, or workers' compensation matters as appropriate.
Provide day-to-day HR guidance to employees and managers regarding Company policies, attendance, performance, conduct, and workplace matters.
Support routine employee relations matters, corrective actions, and performance documentation.
Conduct fact-finding and routine employee relations investigations, escalating complex, sensitive, or high-risk matters to the Senior Director of HR.
Administer performance management processes, including timelines, documentation, manager support, and completion tracking.
Maintain accurate and confidential documentation related to employee relations and performance matters.
Maintain and administer HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook documentation.
Support the implementation of new and revised HR policies, procedures, and programs.
Monitor day-to-day compliance with applicable employment requirements and established Company practices.
Conduct routine HR audits and maintain required employment records, notices, postings, and compliance documentation.
Coordinate required HR and employment-related training and maintain appropriate completion records.
Identify potential compliance gaps or concerns and escalate significant matters to the Senior Director of HR.
Support recruiting and hiring activities for hourly and salaried positions.
Partner with hiring managers to support consistent recruiting, selection, and hiring processes.
Support offer preparation and ensure approved compensation and employment terms are accurately reflected in offer and onboarding documentation.
Partner with the HR Associate on recruiting coordination, onboarding, employee changes, and offboarding activities.
Ensure employee lifecycle changes are accurately processed across HRIS, payroll, benefits, and related systems.
Prepare and maintain recurring HR reporting related to headcount, turnover, recruiting, attendance, payroll, leaves, workers' compensation, and other workforce metrics.
Monitor HR data and processes for discrepancies, recurring issues, and areas requiring attention.
Maintain effective day-to-day relationships with HR vendors and service providers and coordinate resolution of operational issues.
Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, controls, accuracy, efficiency, and employee service.
Support HR projects, audits, and initiatives in partnership with the Senior Director of HR.