Human Resources Operations Manager

Role Overview

Harlem Grown is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and proactive Human Resources Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day execution of HR operations and ensure efficient, accurate, and responsive people processes.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the HR Operations Manager is responsible for independently managing core HR functions, including recruitment operations, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, HR systems, employee support, and compliance processes. As part of a lean team, this is a hands-on role requiring strong judgment, exceptional organization, clear communication, and consistent follow-through.

The ideal candidate takes ownership of their work, anticipates needs, solves problems, and drives priorities through completion with minimal oversight. They are comfortable managing competing demands, improving systems, and knowing when to make decisions independently or escalate issues.

The Chief of Staff sets the strategic direction and priorities for the HR function, while the HR Operations Manager translates those priorities into effective processes and reliable execution. The role also collaborates with the Chief Operating Officer on legal and regulatory compliance matters.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations, Payroll & Benefits

• Own day-to-day HR operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent execution of processes and employee support.
• Manage semi-monthly payroll, including timekeeping, tax setup, deductions, payroll changes, audits, and discrepancy resolution.
• Oversee benefits administration, including new-hire enrollment, annual open enrollment, employee communications, and vendor coordination.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR systems, establishing effective workflows, tracking mechanisms, and quality controls to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Recruitment, Hiring & Onboarding

• Manage recruitment operations in partnership with hiring managers, including job postings, candidate tracking, interview coordination, offer preparation, and hiring communications.
• Oversee applicant tracking systems and hiring workflows, ensuring accurate records, consistent processes, and timely candidate movement.
• Own the end-to-end onboarding process, including background checks, employment verification, required clearances, documentation, HRIS entry, and coordination with hiring managers.
• Proactively identify and resolve hiring and onboarding challenges, ensuring clear communication and a positive candidate and new-hire experience.

Employee Support, Engagement, Performance & Compliance

• Serve as the primary HR resource for employees, providing timely, accurate guidance on policies, benefits, procedures, and routine employment matters.
• Support managers with employee communications, documentation, and performance management; coordinate review cycles and employee engagement initiatives in partnership with the Chief of Staff.
• Lead internal communications through Harlem Grown’s weekly newsletter, compiling org-wide and department-specific updates for staff.
• Support the design, administration, and analysis of periodic employee engagement surveys and other initiatives.
• Manage recurring compliance requirements, including mandatory trainings, staff clearances, certifications, audits, and policy acknowledgments.
• Identify potential compliance risks, maintain knowledge of applicable employment requirements, and partner with the Chief of Staff and COO on compliance matters and policy implementation.

Planning, Communication & Process Improvement

• Translate HR priorities into actionable plans, timelines, and deliverables, independently managing execution from start to finish.
• Anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and proactively communicate progress, challenges, and decisions requiring input or approval.
• Identify operational gaps and lead improvements to HR systems, workflows, and processes to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, and the employee experience.
• Maintain HR reports and workforce data to support decision-making, while collaborating across departments to ensure clear expectations and consistent follow-through.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, with at least 5 years of progressive HR experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing core HR functions, including payroll, benefits, recruitment, onboarding, HR systems, and employee support.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to independently manage competing priorities, maintain accuracy, and drive work to completion.
• Strong judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate needs, navigate ambiguity, and recognize when to escalate issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated accountability, attention to detail, and discretion in handling confidential matters.

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit or similarly sized organization with a lean HR team.
• Knowledge of New York State and NYC employment requirements and experience with HRIS/ATS platforms or PEOs.
• Direct experience with OCFS, DYCD or DOHMH clearance and compliance requirements strongly preferred.
• Experience advising managers on HR matters; SHRM-CP or PHR certification a plus.

This is a full-time position eligible for Harlem Grown's employee benefits package.