We are seeking an experienced People Operations Manager with expertise in payroll, benefits administration, and compensation to support our client’s Total Rewards function in the greater Sacramento area. This role leads the design and administration of payroll, benefits, and compensation programs, ensuring compliance while enhancing employee attraction, retention, and engagement. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, responsive, and skilled at supporting complex, multi-location operations within a collaborative, service-focused culture that values integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Salary: $100,000-$118,000 per year (DOE)
• Location: Sacramento or East Bay Office
• Hybrid role requires to be in the office 3 days a week.
• Comprehensive health insurance options, CalPERS affiliated retirement plans, paid time off, wellness resources, and professional development opportunities

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administer semi-monthly payroll, ensure wage and tax accuracy, maintain compliance with regulations, and support payroll onboarding for new hires.
• Respond to payroll and benefits inquiries, resolve discrepancies, process employment verifications, and manage contributions for health, retirement, and other benefit plans.
• Oversee benefit plan administration, including enrollments, orientations, open enrollment, invoice reconciliation, compliance, and ongoing employee support.
• Contribute to strategic benefits planning by recommending program enhancements, supporting leave management processes, and participating in benefit oversight activities.
• Support compensation programs by compiling market data, assisting with merit and incentive cycles, and conducting job evaluations and salary structure updates.
• Manage HRIS transactions, maintain accurate employee data, generate reports, and provide guidance to managers and employees while supporting cross-functional People Operations initiatives.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, HR, or a related field (or equivalent experience), with at least 5 years of People Operations experience and a strong focus on benefits administration.
• Minimum 3 years of payroll processing experience and proficiency with HRIS platforms; Paycom experience preferred.
• Professional HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) required; CEBS or CCP preferred or willingness to obtain within 18 months.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compensation and benefits practices, leave management, workers’ compensation, and federal/state payroll and tax regulations, including experience with defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and HRIS reporting, with excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, plus the ability to travel between office locations as needed