People Operations Manager

Delta Defense LLC•West Bend, WI

About The Position

The Manager, People Operations leads the operational and data backbone of Delta’s People team, including HRIS and People Analytics, Payroll, and Benefits. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this hands-on leader ensures accurate pay and benefits, trusted people data, effective systems, and sound operational compliance while developing the team and owning the function. The role leads the HRIS / People Analytics lead and the Payroll & Benefits Supervisor, setting priorities, managing performance, and developing two early-career team members. It builds backup across HRIS and payroll/benefits and promotes accountability and accuracy. The manager owns reliable, on-time payroll and benefits administration across Delta’s multi-state footprint, HRIS and people analytics, people reporting, systems and vendors, and scalable, documented processes. The role also runs compensation and benefits benchmarking using PayFactors and provides data, analysis, and recommendations to inform strategy, which remains with the Chief People Officer. The position owns operational compliance—including filings, eligibility and I-9, pay practices, records, and audits—and keeps HR operations aligned with employment law and company policy, escalating risks to the Chief People Officer or legal early. It partners with Talent & People Partnerships on data, leveling, offers, and process, and supports L&D, Culture, and the wider People function with their systems and data needs.

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, including 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.

Nice To Haves

HR, compensation, or payroll certification, such as SHRM-CP/SCP, CCP, CPP, or PHR; certification is a plus, not a requirement.
Fit with Delta’s culture.

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 depend on a single person.
Promote accountability and accurate work.
Own accurate, on-time payroll and benefits administration across Delta’s multi-state footprint.
Own reliable HRIS and people analytics, including clean data, useful reporting, and a sensible systems roadmap.
Manage HR systems and vendors, and maintain simple, documented, scalable processes.
Run compensation and benefits benchmarking using PayFactors and provide clear, well-supported recommendations.
Provide data, analysis, and options to inform compensation and benefits strategy, and execute against that strategy.
Own operational compliance for filings, eligibility/I-9, pay practices, records, and audits.
Keep HR operations aligned with employment law and company policy; flag risks to the Chief People Officer or legal early.
Partner with Talent & People Partnerships on data, leveling, offers, and process.
Support L&D, Culture, and the rest of the People function with the systems and data they rely on.