Human Resources Operations Associate

About the role

Why Stifel strives for a culture that puts its clients and associates first: a culture where everyone belongs, everyone is welcome, and everyone contributes to the success of our clients, their careers, and the firm as a whole. Let’s talk about how you can find your place here at Stifel, where success meets success. The HR Operations Associate provides operational support for associate lifecycle processes and HR systems. This position is responsible for processing HR transactions, maintaining accurate associate data, supporting HR technology workflows, responding to associate and manager inquiries, and ensuring work is completed in accordance with established policies and procedures. This role partners with teams across Human Resources, Payroll, and the business to deliver timely, accurate, and customer-focused HR services. The HR Operations Associate also supports reporting, data audits, process improvement efforts, and departmental projects.

Responsibilities

• Process HR transactions across the associate lifecycle, including new hires, job and personal data changes, transfers, promotions, pay changes, reorganizations, and terminations.
• Update and maintain associate data across HR systems, records, workflows, and reports, ensuring information is complete, accurate, and entered timely.
• Review requests and supporting documentation for completeness and compliance with established policies, procedures, and approval requirements.
• Conduct routine audits of associate and organizational data, identify discrepancies, and coordinate corrections with the appropriate teams.
• Respond to routine associate, manager, and HR inquiries; research issues, provide guidance, and escalate requests when additional support is needed.
• Provide Tier 1 benefits support during Open Enrollment and throughout the benefit plan year.
• Participate, as needed, in New Associate Welcome sessions.
• Support HR technology platforms and workflows, including the HCM (UKG), applicant tracking/onboarding (iCIMS), and service management systems (HaloITSM).
• Assist with system testing, process documentation, training materials, and the implementation or improvement of HR processes and workflows.
• Solve routine problems using established procedures, prior experience, and available resources; identify issues that require escalation.
• Participate in HR Operations projects, cross-training, and other departmental initiatives, as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong customer-service focus and ability to communicate clearly and professionally with associates and managers across the firm.
• Working knowledge of HR operations, employee data, and HR system concepts.
• Ability to learn and navigate multiple systems and applications while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to research routine issues and work independently within established guidelines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and adapt to changing processes, priorities, and business needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum Required: Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Preferred: 1+ years of experience in HR Operations, HR Shared Services, human resources administration, or a similar role.
• Preferred: Experience processing employee lifecycle transactions and working with HR systems, workflow tools, or case management platforms.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience using HR systems and workflow platforms preferred; experience with human resources information systems, applicant tracking systems, onboarding tools, or service management systems is a plus.

Benefits

At Stifel we offer an entrepreneurial environment, comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental and vision care, 401k, wellness initiatives, life insurance, and paid time off.