Sr Manager, Payroll & People Operations

Starbird Chicken•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

At Starbird, a rapidly scaling restaurant brand, the Sr. Manager, Payroll & People Operations is a critical role within the People & Culture function. This position serves as the operational pay and compliance engine, overseeing payroll, HRIS systems, benefits administration, and the associated workforce data and reporting. Reporting to the Head of People & Culture, this role is part of a headquarters team of HR professionals dedicated to driving results across all operating regions. The Sr. Manager will directly manage an HRIS Data Lead, focusing on building and managing data and compliance integrity across all people systems. This is a build and scale role in a high-growth company, requiring operational rigor, strong internal controls, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to balance compliance precision with employee experience. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with deep expertise in payroll, HR systems, and compliance, a determined trouble-shooter, analytical, detail-oriented, comfortable in fast-paced environments, able to see the big picture while executing hands-on, a trusted partner, comfortable presenting to all audiences, and highly ethical with confidential information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
7+ years of progressive and complex payroll and systems operations experience
Advanced compensation and pay management of hourly workforce
Proven, progressive experience managing and developing programs and people
Deep expertise in California employment law and multi-location compliance
Advanced knowledge of wage & hour, FMLA, ADA, ERISA, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation
Advanced technical skills
Proficiency in computer applications and systems including: Office Suite and Google Suite (with strong emphasis on Excel), project management tools (Asana, Jira), Human Resource Information Systems (Paylocity, other) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems as they relate to all things talent
Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large data sets
Strong experience with Paylocity and ATS systems management, systems migrations and auditing
Demonstrated success building scalable processes in high-growth environments
Exceptional project management and organizational skills
Proven ability to partner cross-functionally with executive leadership

Nice To Haves

Startup or growth-stage experience preferred

Responsibilities

Manage onboarding & offboarding, ensuring seamless systems setup and service delivery to the employee population
Own end-to-end biweekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt team members
Ensure compliance with California wage & hour laws (overtime, meal/rest, split shifts, etc.)
Own all people systems, reconcile Harri and Paylocity time and pay data for system accuracy
Manage and reconcile benefits, workers' compensation, 401K deductions and contributions, PTO, and sick leave accruals
Oversee payroll audits, corrections, garnishments, and special compensation plans
Serve as primary liaison to payroll and benefits vendors
Train employees and managers on payroll processes and accountability
Administer health, welfare, retirement, and wellness programs
Work in partnership with HRBPs to manage open enrollment planning and execution
Ensure ERISA compliance and accurate eligibility tracking
Partner with Head of Department, brokers and vendors on renewals and plan design
Resolve employee benefit escalations with professionalism and empathy
Oversee ACA tracking and reporting compliance
Ensure full compliance with Federal, California, and city-specific employment regulations
Partner with Finance and Legal on compliance-relevant reporting and controls
Oversee timely and ongoing required compliance training (harassment prevention, workplace violence, safety), partnering with L&D when appropriate
Ensure employee personnel file compliance and conduct periodic audits for completeness and compliance
Manage annual and ongoing compliance audits
Monitor regulatory changes and implement updates proactively
Maintain and update Employee Handbook for annual rollout each February
Partner with HRBPs to translate policy into operational execution
Manage workers’ compensation vendor relationships & ongoing case administration
Work in partnership with field HRBPs to ensure proper injury reporting, claim tracking, and return-to-work programs
Ensure compliance with FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, and related leave laws
Coordinate interactive process and reasonable accommodations
Monitor trends and implement preventative risk strategies
Partner with HRBPs and Field Operations to reduce workplace injuries and claims exposure
Oversee and directly manage the HRIS Data Lead ensuring role and clarity, including defining clear objectives, ensuring data, compliance and reporting with Data Lead, design Standard Operating Procedures and logical accompanying workflows
Oversee People systems and vendors that support hiring and the employee lifecycle (e.g., ATS, HRIS, onboarding/offboarding, payroll, benefits administration, workers compensation), ensuring reliability, clean handoffs, and strong user experience
Design, document, and test critical processes and internal controls, with a strong focus on auditability, controls, and long-term scalability
Develop and manage functional dashboards and reporting at a weekly, quarterly and annual cadence
Escalate larger-scale challenges to senior leadership when needed