People Operations Manager

Delta Defense•West Bend, WI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The People Operations Manager leads the operational and data backbone of Delta’s People team, overseeing HRIS and People Analytics as well as Payroll and Benefits. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this hands-on leader is responsible for accurate pay and benefits, trusted people data, effective systems, and operational compliance while enabling the broader People team to focus on business partnership. The role leads the HRIS / People Analytics lead and the Payroll & Benefits Supervisor, setting priorities, managing performance, and developing two early-career team members. Building cross-functional backup across HRIS and payroll/benefits is a core part of the position. The manager owns payroll and benefits administration across Delta’s multi-state footprint, the reliability of the HRIS and people-analytics capability, HR systems and vendors, and simple, documented, scalable processes. The role provides compensation and benefits benchmarking, analysis, and recommendations to inform strategy set by the Chief People Officer, and executes that strategy. It also owns operational compliance and partners with the rest of the People team on data, leveling, offers, processes, systems, and reporting. The position is located at Delta’s headquarters in West Bend, Wisconsin.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
5–8+ years in HR operations, people systems, payroll/benefits, or total rewards.
Experience leading or developing others.
Hands-on knowledge of HRIS/HCM systems and people data/reporting.
Experience with multi-state payroll and benefits administration.
Solid grasp of employment and pay compliance.
Organized and detail-oriented, calm under deadlines, low ego, and high ownership.
A genuine interest in developing early-career talent.
A real fit for Delta’s culture.

Nice To Haves

HR, compensation, or payroll certification, such as SHRM-CP/SCP, CCP, CPP, or PHR.

Responsibilities

Lead the HRIS / People Analytics lead and Payroll & Benefits Supervisor; set goals and priorities, manage performance, and keep work on track.
Develop two early-career team members through coaching and capability-building.
Build backup coverage across HRIS and payroll/benefits so critical functions do not rely on a single person.
Own accurate, on-time payroll and benefits administration across Delta’s multi-state footprint.
Maintain a reliable HRIS and trusted people-analytics capability, including clean data, useful reporting, and a sensible systems roadmap.
Manage HR systems and vendors, and keep processes simple, documented, and scalable.
Run compensation and benefits benchmarking using PayFactors and provide clear, well-supported recommendations.
Supply data, analysis, and options to inform compensation and benefits strategy, and execute against the strategy set by the Chief People Officer.
Own operational compliance, including filings, eligibility/I-9, pay practices, records, and audits.
Keep HR operations aligned with employment law and company policy, and flag risks to the Chief People Officer or legal team early.
Partner with Talent & People Partnerships on data, leveling, offers, and processes.
Support L&D, Culture, and the broader People function with the systems and data they rely on.