People Operations Specialist

ZipRecruiter•Santa Monica, CA

20h•$62,500 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a People Operations Specialist, you will run the day-to-day engine of the People Operations team, focusing heavily on data auditing, system data entry, and providing administrative support across HR operations, HR technology, compliance, and immigration. This is an early-career role designed for someone who thrives on structure, accuracy, and operational excellence. Operating primarily through established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), you will help ensure strong data integrity and consistent operational execution across daily People workflows. You will serve as a dependable executor and clear communicator, helping employees navigate established people practices and answering procedural questions with accuracy and care. The ideal candidate brings a structured approach to problem-solving, a commitment to precision, and a high level of accountability when handling sensitive employee information. You possess a natural curiosity to learn core people systems, an adaptable mindset ready to meet changing business workflows, and a strong sense of personal organization that drives daily execution. You excel in a collaborative team environment where reliability, respect for others, and steady time management are critical to delivering operational excellence. This role reports to the Sr. Manager, People Business Partner (PBP) for Tech & Product.

Requirements

0-2 years of experience in HR operations, HR administration, data entry, or a related operational role (internship experience accepted).
Ability to work in office 3 days per week (we have offices in Santa Monica, CA & Phoenix, AZ)
Exceptional attention to detail with a strong ability to identify inconsistencies, discrepancies, and data quality issues.
Strong affinity for systems and technology, with exposure to HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR) or similar tools preferred.
Proficiency with spreadsheets (Google Sheets / Excel) for tracking, validation, and data organization.
Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment where accuracy directly impacts payroll, compliance, and employee experience.
High level of integrity and strict commitment to handling sensitive employee information.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with a focus on empathy, clarity, and employee support.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with HRIS platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR, Workday, or similar systems.
Exposure to HR compliance processes, I-9 administration, or immigration support workflows.
Experience supporting shared inboxes, helpdesk queues, or operational support functions.
Comfort with basic HR tech troubleshooting and employee systems support.
Interest in building a long-term career in People Operations, HR, or Employee Experience.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end data entry for employee lifecycle changes, including new hire profile creation, contractor onboarding, manager changes, role/department updates, compensation changes, promotions/demotions, unemployment claims, and offboarding.
Monitor and respond to incoming inquiries through the HRIS helpdesk inbox, providing clear, accurate guidance for standard employee questions.
Act as the first line of support for Tier 1 issues across HR systems (including ADP, Culture Amp, Bonusly, Pave, and other internal tools).
Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly audits across HR systems to ensure high levels of data accuracy and integrity.
Assist with administrative verification for compliance and internal audit testing; support monitoring, tracking, and remediation of compliance-related actions in partnership with internal stakeholders.
Assist in gathering and validating data for annual compliance reporting, including EEO-1 and California Pay Data reporting.
Manage and update US employment authorization documentation (I-9s) and support transactional components of immigrant and non-immigrant visa processes in partnership with internal teams.
Support foundational inquiries and administrative tasks related to Bonusly and employee recognition programs.