Human Resource Project Manager - HR Operations

Job Summary

The HR Project Manager – HR Operations is a strategic execution leader responsible for building and operationalizing the HR Operations capability while driving cross-functional improvement across the full employee lifecycle.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

- Build and Stand Up HR Operations - Design the HR Operations framework, including service delivery model, intake processes, case management standards, and operating rhythms. - Establish governance structures for HR projects, change initiatives, and cross-functional programs. - Define and implement standardized processes for core HR activities (e.g., employee data management, compliance workflows, documentation standards). - Develop KPIs and dashboards to monitor service levels, cycle times, and quality metrics. - Partner with Finance and IT to ensure alignment of systems, controls, and reporting infrastructure. - Enterprise HR Project & Program Management - Lead and manage cross-functional HR initiatives (e.g., compensation redesign, performance management implementation, HRIS enhancements, onboarding redesign). - Develop comprehensive project charters, workplans, milestone tracking, risk registers, and executive reporting updates. - Ensure initiatives align with VPHR priorities and enterprise strategic objectives. - Drive disciplined execution, accountability, and post-implementation reviews. - Facilitate steering committees and executive updates as required. - Employee Lifecycle Optimization - Partner with Leads for Talent Acquisition, Talent Management and Total Rewards to continuously improve the employee lifecycle: - Talent Acquisition: Optimize recruiting workflows, onboarding handoffs, time-to-fill processes, and hiring manager experience. - Total Rewards: Support implementation of compensation frameworks, merit cycles, market pricing processes, and pay-for-performance programs. - Talent Management: Standardize performance management processes, succession planning cadence, leadership development programs, and employee engagement initiatives. - Drive cross-functional alignment to eliminate silos and improve lifecycle continuity from hire to retire. - Process Improvement & Operational Excellence - Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies to HR processes. - Conduct process mapping, gap analysis, and root cause analysis. - Lead change management planning including communication plans, stakeholder alignment, and adoption measurement. - Establish documentation standards and knowledge management practices. - Identify automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce manual work. - Data & Reporting Governance - Improve data integrity standards and audit processes. - Partner with HRIS and analytics teams to create standardized reporting. - Develop executive-level dashboards for HR performance metrics. - Support board-level reporting preparation when applicable. - Change Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration - Serve as a trusted advisor to HR leaders and business stakeholders. - Facilitate alignment across competing priorities. - Drive accountability without formal authority. - Support cultural transformation toward operational discipline and performance orientation.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred). - 5–8+ years of experience in HR project management, HR operations, or enterprise transformation. - Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives in a complex organization. - Strong project management skills (PMP certification preferred). - Experience implementing or optimizing HRIS systems. - Advanced analytical and reporting capabilities (Excel, dashboards, metrics development). - Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Preferred Education/Experience Requirements

- Experience building or transforming an HR Operations function. - Exposure to manufacturing or multi-site environments. - Experience in private equity-backed or high-performance cultures. - Familiarity with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).

Core Competencies

- Strategic execution - Operational rigor - Change leadership - Cross-functional collaboration - Analytical problem solving - Executive communication - Process design & governance

Travel Requirements

- Occasional travel to sites (10-15%)

Work Environment

- Typical office environment with occasional need to be on production floor.

Contact Information

Email: HR@waupacafoundry.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

including disabled and veterans.