Manager, Benefits Administration / HR Operations

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

5d•$97,600 - $138,600•Hybrid

About The Position

Xcel Energy is hiring a Manager, Benefits Administration / HR Operations to manage day-to-day HR operational service delivery in a shared services model. The role ensures timely, accurate, consistent, high-quality HR processes and employee support, including benefits administration, HR vendor file integrations and relationships, special projects, process optimization, compliance, and operational excellence. The manager oversees HR administration and service delivery, collaborates across HR functions, manages vendor performance and data transmission, and partners with HRIS and IT on system workflows and updates. The role also establishes operational metrics, identifies risks and controls, and leads, coaches, and develops HR Operations staff while managing workloads, capacity, and the department budget. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday; expectations vary by role, team, and business needs. The anticipated starting base pay is $97,600 to $138,600 per year. The position is non-bargaining and eligible for an annual incentive program and a range of benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
At least eight years of progressive HR experience.
At least two years of leadership experience, which may include demonstrated ability to lead through influence in an HR operations environment.
Strong working knowledge of HR processes, policies, federal and state laws and regulations, HR compliance, data governance, and internal controls.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, analyze operational data, and drive process improvements.
Demonstrated experience with HRIS systems such as Workday, UKG, or ServiceNow.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including advanced Excel skills.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and team-building skills.
Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
HR certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.
Experience building or scaling HR shared services delivery models.
Experience supporting geographically dispersed employee populations across different states.
Broad HR administrative experience, including supporting a large organization with a wide range of benefit programs across union and non-union populations.

Responsibilities

Oversee HR operations, including benefits administration, annual benefits enrollment, time-away-from-work policies, I-9 verification, and other employee lifecycle processes.
Develop, maintain, and enforce HR standard operating procedures, checklists, job aids, templates, and knowledge base content.
Ensure HR transactions are completed accurately and consistently in the HRIS and related systems.
Scale and streamline HR administrative tasks and drive operational excellence.
Serve as the point of contact for HR Operations workflows and Shared Services coordination.
Collaborate with the HR Service Center, Benefits, HR Technology, Payroll, Compensation, Talent Acquisition, Workforce Relations, Legal, and other functions to coordinate HR Operations tasks.
Support resolution of HR Service Center escalations and lead process improvements to streamline, standardize, or automate administrative processes.
Build and maintain working relationships with HR service vendors; review performance metrics, take corrective action when needed, ensure accurate and timely data transmission, and approve vendor invoices.
Ensure HR administration complies with applicable laws, company policies, collective bargaining agreements, and audit requirements.
Identify operational risks; implement preventive controls and maintain controls for sensitive HR data, documentation retention, and data accuracy; take corrective action when necessary.
Partner with HRIS and IT to maintain data integrity, troubleshoot issues, and improve HR system workflows and user experience.
Provide operational requirements and test scenarios for HR changes; coordinate testing, data validation, and change management for system updates affecting HR Operations.
Develop dashboards, operational reporting, and metrics; analyze data to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
Lead, coach, and develop HR Operations staff, fostering a positive employee experience and continuous improvement mindset.
Manage workload distribution, capacity planning, and cross-training to meet project due dates and service-level agreements.
Monitor and manage the department budget.
Stay current on HR trends, best practices, and legislative changes affecting HR Operations.