People Relations & Operations Manager

Ascend Federal Credit Union•Tullahoma, TN

13h

About The Position

We are seeking a highly capable Human Resources & Operations leader to partner closely with the Chief People Officer in bringing people strategies to life through strong execution, operational discipline, and continuous improvement. This role is not the primary owner of HR strategy but is critical in translating vision into action—ensuring programs, processes, and systems are implemented effectively and experienced consistently across the organization. Primary focus includes Employee Relations function. The ideal candidate is a strong operator who thinks ahead, someone who can connect the dots, anticipate needs, and elevate how work gets done across employee relations, talent acquisition, and core HR operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field required
8-10 years of progressive Human Resources experience with strong operational focus required
Deep expertise in employee relations, including complex and sensitive matters required
Proven success in executing talent acquisition strategies and hiring outcomes required
Demonstrated ability to build and implement processes, programs, and systems
Hands-on experience with HCM/HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG)
Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into action
Excellent project management skills with a track record of execution and follow-through
Ability to think ahead while staying grounded in day-to-day delivery
Strong communication and influencing skills across all levels of the organization
Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with HR Acuity preferred

Responsibilities

Partner with the Chief People Officer to implement and operationalize people priorities
Translate direction into clear plans, processes, and timelines that drive consistent execution
Identify gaps and bring forward practical, experience-based recommendations
Manage and develop a team of professionals, enhancing internal capabilities and fostering a high-performance culture focused on consistent service delivery
Manage complex employee relations matters including investigations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions
Ensure fair, consistent, and compliant application of HR policies
Ensure fair and consistent conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation
Provide employee relations with a fair, consistent, and solutions-oriented approach
Coach leaders through performance management, feedback, and complex situations. Elevate manager effectiveness in navigating employee matters, including performance management, interpersonal conflict, and sensitive workplace issues
Ensure policies and practices are applied consistently across the organization
Balance employee advocacy with business needs and risk awareness
Manage system for employee relations
Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with policies and regulations
Provide guidance and support on employee relations, workplace issues, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation
Optimize the employee relations strategy in partnership with the Chief People Officer, owning the execution to ensure alignment with company values, risk posture, and growth plans
Track and drive performance across key workforce metrics including headcount, turnover, absenteeism, training completion, employee relations case resolution time, HR compliance and audit results, and pipeline readiness
Ensure HR processes are aligned and consistently executed across all areas
Lead execution of talent acquisition to ensure quality, speed, and alignment with business needs
Partner with leaders to understand hiring priorities and drive strong recruiting outcomes
Enhance the candidate and onboarding experience through continuous improvement
Support workforce planning efforts through disciplined hiring execution
Drive the development, rollout, and improvement of HR processes, programs, and systems, prioritizing efficiency, scalability, and consistency
Evaluate workflows and implement scalable, efficient solutions
Lead or support implementation and optimization of HR technology platforms
Ensure strong operational discipline, including compliance, documentation, and reporting
Own and improve core people operations processes across the employee lifecycle, from onboarding through offboarding
Track and report on key people metrics, including review completion, headcount movements, onboarding progress, and other operational indicators
Design, launch, and refine performance review cycles, calibration processes, and supporting documentation
Administer and improve people systems, documentation, and workflows across HRIS, talent acquisition, benefits, and employee records
Design and implement practical, sustainable programs that support employee experience and organizational effectiveness
Ensure strong adoption and follow-through across the organization
Monitor effectiveness and adjust based on feedback and results
Partner in the implementation, optimization, and ongoing management of HR technology (HCM/HRIS)
Utilize platforms such as ADP, Workday, UKG, or similar systems to drive efficiency and insight
Develop and maintain reporting that provides clear, actionable data to leadership
Leverage analytics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities across employee relations, hiring, and operations
Champion data integrity, consistency, and usability across systems
Read all internal publications including HUB and Possibilities.
Perform other duties as required or assigned.