Manager of HR, Operations

Moon Valley Nurseries•Scottsdale, AZ

5d•$90,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Manager of HR, Operations will oversee key human resources functions, HR compliance, internal payroll operations, systems administration, and process optimization across a rapidly growing, multi-state organization of 2,500+ employees. This leadership role requires expertise in HR operations, compliance (including California), analytics, and HR systems and the ability to lead a high-performing team, drive systematic improvements, and present insights and recommendations to executive leadership. The ideal candidate is analytical, solutions-focused, strong with Excel and reporting, and experienced in modernizing HR processes and technology. Moon Valley Nurseries is the largest box tree grower in the country, recognized for operational excellence, growth, and customer experience. We are seeking a Manager of HR Operations who can elevate HR systems, ensure compliance, and support strategic initiatives across the business.

Requirements

4+ years of experience in HR operations, HR compliance, HRIS administration, payroll operations, or related HR leadership functions.
Demonstrated experience managing and leading a team.
Strong understanding of multi-state HR compliance, with deep familiarity with California requirements.
Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data summarization).
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and present clear, concise summaries to executive leadership.
Proven experience improving processes, automating workflows, and implementing systematic changes.
Hands-on experience with HCM platforms.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Excellent communication and ability to translate complex HR data into simple, business-ready insights.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with multiple competing priorities.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR operations team (HRIS, compliance, payroll operations, and workflow administration).
Oversee day-to-day HR operational processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timely execution.
Serve as a trusted partner to leadership, providing clear insights, summaries, and recommendations.
Manage cross-departmental initiatives with Payroll, Benefits, Legal, and Operations.
Oversee the internal payroll function to ensure accurate, timely processing across multiple states and FEINs.
Ensure payroll processes, reports, and controls meet federal, state requirements (including California).
Ensure compliance with federal, multi-state, and California-specific HR regulations, policies, and reporting requirements.
Maintain and enforce HR policies, auditing processes, and documentation standards.
Partner with Legal to support regulatory updates, investigations, and compliance-driven changes.
Evaluate existing HR processes and identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and standardization within Human Capital Management system and other HR software.
Lead system upgrades, new feature rollouts, and cross-functional training.
Ensure systems are aligned with Payroll, Benefits, Finance, and overall operational needs.
Develop scalable procedures that support growth and organizational consistency.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives while reducing manual effort and system bottlenecks.
Build, maintain, and automate HR operational dashboards and analysis in Excel or reporting tools.
Prepare and present executive-level summaries highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities.
Deliver high-quality reporting on headcount, turnover, compliance metrics, audits, and workflow performance.
Support quarterly, annual, and audit-related reporting activities.