People Operations Generalist

Forterra•Clarksburg, MD

10d•$115,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

About the role Forterra is scaling fast, and our People Ops team is building the infrastructure that enables that growth. We’re looking for a highly capable, high-trust operator who can run at our speed and thrive in ambiguity. This role will report to the Director of People Operations and serve as a force-multiplier - owning core HR administrative processes, solving operational pain points through automation, and helping to shape the employee experience as we grow. This is not a role for someone who needs rigid structure or slow, predictable workflows. You will have autonomy, responsibility, and access to sensitive information - so integrity, discretion, and strong judgement are essential. If you’re energized by mission-driven work, love moving quickly, and take pride in being the person who “just gets it done,” you’ll thrive here.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in a People Operations, HR coordination, business operations, or high-trust administrative role supporting a fast-moving organization (startup, defense tech, high-growth tech, operations, or similar environment).
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with absolute discretion and integrity.
Proven success operating in ambiguity with limited oversight; comfortable taking a goal and running toward solutions independently.
Strong systems fluency and ability to quickly learn new tools; experience with HRIS platforms preferred (Rippling is a plus).
Experience creating documentation, managing workflows, or supporting process improvements.
High attention to detail, strong follow-through, and the ability to juggle multiple competing priorities.
Excellent communication skills - clear, concise, and able to work with stakeholders across levels and functions.
Ability to work onsite in either Clarksburg, MD or Arlington, VA with occasional travel between the two.

Nice To Haves

Experience in startups, defense technology, robotics, aerospace, or similarly fast-paced, mission-driven environments.
Prior experience implementing automation or workflow tools.
Background supporting learning & development, employee programs, or HR project management.
Experience refining policies, handbooks, or compliance-adjacent documentation.
Demonstrated track record of improving organizational processes or building operational infrastructure.
Strong interest in autonomy, national security, robotics, or Forterra’s mission.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact for general People Ops inquiries across the organization, providing timely guidance, escalating when appropriate, and ensuring employees feel supported.
Own and execute system changes in our HRIS (Rippling), including compensation updates, leveling and title corrections, manager/department changes, and other core employee data updates.
Maintain and iterate job descriptions across the organization, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with evolving business needs.
Identify manual, repetitive People Ops processes and build automated solutions that reduce administrative burden and increase operational speed.
Support employee development programs, including goal cycles, competency frameworks, and internal growth pathways.
Administer learning and development initiatives, including scheduling, content coordination, and tracking outcomes.
Create, manage, and continuously refine People Ops process documentation (SOPs, workflows, checklists, etc.).
Review and update employee handbook content; proactively flag areas needing policy development or clarification.
Provide support on special projects across the People team, ranging from audits, review cycles, culture initiatives, compliance tasks, and cross-functional operational efforts.
Serve as a trusted partner who protects confidentiality, exercises high judgment, and flags emerging issues early.

Benefits

Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

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