People Operations Manager

Schurz Communications is looking to hire a People Operations Manager.  The successful candidate will manage the employee life cycle, including onboarding, hiring, terminations, timekeeping, and payroll.  They will oversee the administration of HR programs such as benefits, compensation, and performance management, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and alignment with company goals.  The candidate will partner with stakeholders to support HR program implementation through process  design, consultation, and project management.  They will also develop scalable tools and workflows, manage employee data in accordance with privacy regulations, and ensure accurate reporting and filings.  They will be key in evaluating and managing HR vendors and contacts.  This role involves up to 20% travel.

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Remote with occasional travel

Rate:  $110,000-$130,000 annually plus bonus

Reporting to:  VP of People & Culture

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Administer and coordinate the organization’s benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, and retirement plans. Serve as a key point of contact for employees, vendors, and internal teams regarding benefit questions, enrollment, and issue resolution.
• Supports the People Operations Specialist by providing backup coverage to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing
• Manage annual benefits open enrollment, plan renewals, and compliance reporting (e.g., ACA, ERISA, 5500 filings), in collaboration with brokers and third-party administrators (TPAs). Ensure accurate communication and timely implementation of benefits changes.
• Conduct regular audits and data reviews to ensure benefit enrollments, deductions, and vendor integrations are accurate and aligned with payroll and HRIS systems.
• Support compensation administration by maintaining job data, assisting in market benchmarking, and ensuring pay practices align with internal structures and pay equity goals.
• Monitor and maintain workforce metrics (e.g., turnover, diversity, headcount) and use data insights to support recommendations related to Total Rewards and workforce planning.
• Serve as the day-to-day contact for HR vendors, including benefits brokers, TPAs, background check providers, and employment verification services. Track service quality and escalate issues as needed.
• Support the implementation and optimization of HR technology platforms, including HRIS/HCM, time and attendance, onboarding, and performance management systems. Maintain data integrity and support reporting needs.
• Oversee accurate and timely multi-state payroll processing in coordination with internal teams and external vendors. Address complex issues and support audits, reconciliations, and compliance reporting.
• Maintain and apply HR policies and procedures related to benefits, payroll, and HR systems, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Finance, Legal, etc.) on audits, compliance efforts, and special projects. Identify process improvement opportunities and support HR operations initiatives that enhance the employee experience.
• Participate in broader People & Culture initiatives as needed, supporting operational execution and employee engagement.
• Other duties as assigned.

The successful People Operations Manager has:

• Solid knowledge of People & Culture (HR) operations, including HRIS, Total Rewards, payroll, compliance, and employee data management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Clear and professional communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and levels.
• Experience supporting or managing cross-functional projects and working with business partners to implement HR initiatives.
• Self-directed and organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with moderate supervision.
• Knowledge of compensation and benefits principles, with the ability to administer Total Rewards programs and contribute to program design and strategy in partnership with senior HR leaders.
• Business-oriented mindset with an understanding of how HR operations contribute to organizational success.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS/HCM systems (e.g., UKG, ADP, Workday), including process improvement and data maintenance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR reporting tools, with the ability to develop and maintain reports and dashboards.
• Experience coordinating with external vendors and supporting contract and service management in areas such as benefits, payroll, or HR technology.
• Requires willingness to work a flexible schedule and travel.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, CCP, CEBS) preferred.

Benefits:

• Family Medical (3 plans to choose from), Dental and Vision
• Company funded HSA
• Company Paid Short Term Disability
• Company Paid Long Term Disability with Voluntary option
• Company Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance as well as Voluntary Policies
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

When you join SCI ...

You'll be joining an award-winning company and team.  We also believe in giving back to the community and we want our employees to have the opportunity to do so.  We provide an environment that gives each employee the opportunity to nurture their gifts and achieve their potential.  For more information, go to www.schurzchoice.com. 

Schurz Communications and its subsidiaries strategic objectives:

• We will attract, invest in, communicate with, and retain top talent. 
• We will innovate, partner, experiment and create a better future together. 
• We strive to continuously improve operating performance to ensure sustained growth. 
• We will dynamically grow revenues by building and nurturing mutually beneficial and profitable customer relationships.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is:

• Regularly required to talk and hear
• Required to use hands to type, handle objects and paperwork
• Required to use close vision and be able to focus

The employee generally works in an indoor office environment.