People Operations Manager

Engineering Economics, Inc. • Lakewood, CO

1d • $120,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The People Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in building the backbone of EEI’s people function. This role is responsible for ensuring that People Operations, payroll, workforce data, and compliance run with precision, reliability, and confidence. From payroll execution and People Services systems to compensation data and benefits administration, this leader ensures the details are right so our people can focus on meaningful, impactful work. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys owning complex systems, bringing order to scale, and continuously improving how People Services works behind the scenes. You will translate growth into strong infrastructure, trusted processes, and dependable execution. If you are energized by building scalable operations, leading with accountability, and knowing that your work directly enables positive team member experience, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact at a growing, employee-owned firm.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field; equivalent experience considered
• 6+ years of HR operations experience, including payroll ownership, HRIS configuration, and multi-state compliance
• 2+ years of experience leading or coaching HR staff
• Strong understanding of payroll, benefits administration, and retirement plan processes
• Deep technical expertise HRIS platforms and HR technology tools; understanding and proficiency of automation tools preferred
• Exceptional attention to detail, follow-through, and data accuracy discipline
• Strong analytical skills with experience managing reporting and dashboards
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Proven ability to create clarity and structure, improve processes, and manage competing priorities in a growing organization
• Commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and corporate governance
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis

Nice To Haves

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CCP, or CBP preferred

Responsibilities

• Champion EEI’s culture by fostering a positive, values-driven environment, and cultivating strong relationships across the organization.
• Foster a positive, values-driven team member experience by delivering reliable People Services support, building strong relationships, and providing practical, responsive solutions aligned with EEI’s culture and business objectives.
• Manage day-to-day People Operations, ensuring accurate, consistent, and compliant execution of core People Operations processes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop our People Operations team
• Ensure all People Ops practices, interactions, and decisions consistently reflect EEI’s values and align with business objectives.
• Own, analyze, and recommend compensation and workforce data practices, including salary ranges, pay adjustments, and compensation models
• Support annual compensation cycles, merit reviews, and bonus administration
• Maintain compensation structures, job data, and pay elements within People Services systems.
• Serve as the owner of EEI’s HRIS and other People Services Technology, ensuring system configuration, workflows, and integrations support People Operations and reporting needs.
• Lead People Ops system enhancements and automation initiatives in partnership with IT and vendors to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Manage multi-state payroll execution by ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing, configuration, reconciliation, reporting, and issue resolution in partnership with Finance.
• Own benefits administration and open enrollment readiness by maintaining accurate system setup, validating reconciliations, and resolving discrepancies with vendors and Finance.
• Lead open enrollment readiness, 401(k), and ESOP administration by ensuring accurate system configuration, data validation, reconciliations, audits, and contribution/reporting accuracy.
• Own People Services program operations by ensuring strong systems, accurate data, reliable processes, and timely execution across performance reviews, compensation cycles, training, and workforce reporting.
• Manage compliance and risk mitigation by maintaining policies, documentation, and notices, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading audit readiness efforts.
• Manage team member lifecycle operations while maintaining accurate records, job data, and organizational structures.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and People Experience to support seamless team member transitions.
• Manage HRIS, payroll tax, benefits platforms, and compliance tools
• Build effective cross-functional partnerships by managing vendor relationships, collaborating with People Services team members, and representing People Services with professionalism, discretion, and a service-oriented approach.
• Approach challenges with a systems-thinking, solution-focused mindset.
• Always handle sensitive information with integrity and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Stay current on and comply with employment laws, payroll regulations, and People technology best practices.
• Provide flexible support where needed to advance the success of the People Services team and EEI.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); 100% employer funded
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Company-paid LTD, STD, and basic life insurance
• Voluntary life, accident coverage, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Profit-sharing + discretionary performance bonuses
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match; 100% immediate vesting
• Vacation + sick time
• Ten (10) paid holidays
• Parental Leave
• Milestone Travel Award (Every 5 Years)
• Remote first company
• Paid certifications, seminars, and conferences
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager