Manager of People and Culture Operations

America's Thrift Stores•Irondale, AL

About The Position

This role serves as a critical member of the People & Culture leadership team, providing oversight and strategic direction for multistate payroll, benefits administration, leave management, P&C information systems, unemployment, and compensation. The position also manages departmental budgeting, annual audits, key workforce metrics, onboarding processes, and all state, federal, and internal compliance requirements.  The role collaborates with internal leaders on cross-functional initiatives such as employee engagement surveys and wellness programs and is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and administering comprehensive human resource programs across employment, compensation, benefits, and associate relations.

Requirements

Professional Human Resources certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred.
Ten (10) or more years of progressive Human Resources experience, including benefits, compensation, payroll, compliance, leave administration, and HRIS/HCM systems.
Demonstrated expertise in multistate employment laws and regulatory compliance, including FMLA, ADA, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, assess organizational risk, and make decisions aligned with business objectives while maintaining confidentiality and discretion.
Experience leading, developing, and coaching high-performing HR or People & Culture teams.
Advanced proficiency with HCM/HRIS platforms (Dayforce preferred), including system configuration, data integrity, reporting, and process optimization.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable solutions.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex topics to employees, leaders, and external partners.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and implement scalable People & Culture solutions.
Ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Successful completion of required background check, motor vehicle check, and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Professional Human Resources certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred.
Advanced proficiency with HCM/HRIS platforms (Dayforce preferred), including system configuration, data integrity, reporting, and process optimization.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop direct reports while ensuring accurate daily operations and full compliance with all regulatory and internal requirements.
Oversee the administration, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of all benefit plans within the HCM/HRIS system, including management of annual open enrollment and benefits renewals.
Partner with the healthcare broker to support benefit plan selection, troubleshoot issues, and ensure effective, compliant plan administration.
Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to benefits and leave programs, providing timely guidance, issue resolution, and enrollment support.
Coordinate benefits enrollment activities, including employee meetings, communications, materials distribution, and collaboration with vendors to ensure accurate processing of enrollments, changes, and terminations.
Lead and manage all leave of absence processes (including FMLA), ensuring accurate tracking, documentation, reporting, and follow-up within the HRIS.
Oversee 401(k) administration, including transaction reconciliation, plan changes, and leadership of annual audits and compliance activities.
Audit benefits invoices and related data throughout the fiscal year to ensure accuracy, reconciliation, and cost control; prepare reports on utilization, costs, and trends as needed.
Collaborate closely with Payroll to ensure benefit deductions, leave updates, and employee data changes are accurately reflected in employee records.
Ensure company-wide compliance with all applicable federal, state, and internal employment requirements, including I-9/E-Verify, labor law postings, EEO-1, ACA and 1095-C reporting, PCORI, Medicare Part D, COBRA, W-2 reporting, and adverse action processes.
Partner with People & Culture Business Partners, Legal, Talent Acquisition, Compliance, Payroll, Finance, Benefits, and external auditors to ensure accurate employee data management and operational alignment.
Oversee onboarding processes, employment status changes, offer letter review, and maintenance of accurate organizational charts across all locations.
Monitor, analyze, and report key People & Culture metrics to support data-driven decision-making.
Proactively evaluate and improve People & Culture operational processes, recommending standardization, system enhancements, and efficiency improvements.
Develop, implement, and audit People & Culture Operations policies, procedures, departmental business plans, and annual budgets; monitor and adjust budgets as needed.
Research, benchmark, and recommend competitive compensation and incentive programs to support talent attraction, engagement, and retention.
Maintain internal People & Culture operational systems, including shared inboxes, databases, and documentation repositories.