Senior Associate, HR Operations

Ares Operations • New York, NY

9d

About The Position

Ares Management is seeking a Senior Associate to join its Global HR Operations team. The team partners with HR and the business to deliver global services across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, background screening, employee data management, compliance, and HR program administration. The Senior Associate will manage core HR operational processes, support employees, managers, and stakeholders, and improve service delivery, compliance, scalability, and the employee experience. The role provides broad exposure across Human Resources and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility.

The position manages employee lifecycle processes and assigned HR programs and projects; serves as a subject matter expert and trusted resource; supports compliance, governance, audit, and reporting activities; and maintains Workday data integrity. It also identifies and leads process improvements, standardizes procedures, analyzes operational data and feedback, and partners with HRIS and cross-functional teams on system enhancements, workflow improvements, automation, and other initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5–7 years of HR Operations experience.
• Experience executing employee lifecycle operations within a global organization.
• Proven ability to improve processes and independently manage initiatives from assessment through implementation.
• Hands-on experience with Workday required.
• Working knowledge of HR operational controls, data integrity, compliance requirements, and employee service delivery.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with strong ownership and execution skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build effective cross-functional partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and project management skills.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Continuous improvement mindset and interest in process optimization, technology, and operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant HR certifications preferred.
• Experience in financial services, technology, or another complex, fast-paced environment preferred.
• Experience with ServiceNow, case management, and other workflow tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, background screening, immigration support, transfers, employee changes, and offboarding, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and a consistent employee experience.
• Resolve employee, manager, and HR partner inquiries and complex operational matters, using sound judgment and escalating as appropriate.
• Manage and continuously enhance the U.S. New Hire Orientation program in partnership with stakeholders.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for designated HR Operations processes and programs.
• Identify and lead opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, improve service delivery, reduce risk, and enhance the employee experience.
• Document, maintain, and standardize procedures and best practices for consistent and scalable service delivery.
• Use operational data, service trends, and stakeholder feedback to identify root causes, measure effectiveness, and prioritize improvements.
• Partner with HRIS and cross-functional teams on system enhancements, workflow improvements, automation opportunities, and operational initiatives.
• Coordinate and execute HR compliance, governance, audit, and reporting activities in alignment with regulatory and business requirements.
• Maintain Workday data integrity through regular audits, validation, root-cause analysis, and issue resolution.
• Manage assigned workstreams within HR programs, cyclical processes, and cross-functional projects, ensuring clear ownership and timely execution.
• Identify and escalate operational, compliance, and employee experience risks, partnering with relevant stakeholders through resolution.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical/Rx, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA).
• Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution.
• Basic and voluntary life insurance.
• Long-term disability (LTD) and short-term disability (STD) insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Commuter benefits for parking and transit.
• Access to a medical advisory team.
• Mental health app with coaching, therapy, and psychiatry.
• Mindfulness and wellbeing app.
• Financial wellness benefit with access to a financial advisor.
• New parent leave.
• Reproductive and adoption assistance.
• Emergency backup care.
• Matching gift program.
• Education sponsorship program.
• Discretionary performance-based bonus may be included in total compensation.

What This Job Offers

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