Human Resources Operations Manager

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long-term reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC’s area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Provincial authorities in Canada. NERC's jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, which serves nearly 400 million people.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, People & Culture, the HR Operations Manager leads the delivery of People & Culture operational services and supervises a team of HR professionals responsible for payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, learning and development, HR systems, compliance, and employee support. This role is accountable for ensuring operational excellence, developing team capability, establishing service standards, and driving continuous improvement across People & Culture processes. The HR Operations Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the People & Culture function while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, service delivery, data integrity, compliance, and employee experience through process optimization and technology solutions.

In addition to operational leadership responsibilities, this role serves as the HR Business Partner for designated business units, providing strategic and consultative support to leaders and employees. The HR Operations Manager partners closely with leaders to support workforce planning, employee relations, talent management, engagement initiatives, organizational effectiveness, and change management efforts. This role requires a highly organized, collaborative, and solutions-oriented HR professional who can balance strategic partnership with operational excellence, while contributing to the successful execution of NERC’s people strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of People & Culture operations, ensuring effective, efficient, and employee-centered service across payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, learning and development, HR systems, compliance, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Lead, coach, develop, and mentor a team of HR professionals, establishing clear performance expectations, fostering accountability, and building team capability to deliver exceptional HR services.
• Serve as the HR Business Partner for assigned business units, developing trusted advisor relationships with leaders and providing guidance on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, talent management, employee engagement, leadership effectiveness, and change management.
• Develop proficiency in payroll processes and systems to serve as a backup payroll administrator, ensuring continuity of payroll operations and timely, accurate payroll processing during absences or periods of increased workload.
• Partner with leaders to support recruitment, selection, onboarding, and workforce planning activities, ensuring hiring strategies align with organizational and business unit objectives.
• Provide expert guidance and support on employee relations matters to assigned business units, including performance management, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, corrective action, policy interpretation, and organizational changes.
• Support talent management processes, including performance reviews, talent assessments, succession planning, leadership development, employee development, and retention initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, policies, and reporting requirements while maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, automate processes, improve service delivery, and leverage technology solutions, including HRIS platforms, AI, and self-service tools.
• Partner closely with Centers of Excellence, business leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to implement People & Culture programs, organizational initiatives, and change management activities that support strategic objectives.
• Support internal and external audits, manage vendor relationships, and ensure appropriate controls, documentation, and governance practices are maintained.
• Lead and participate in People & Culture projects and initiatives, ensuring successful planning, communication, execution, stakeholder alignment, and achievement of desired outcomes.
• Champion NERC’s culture and values by fostering an inclusive, collaborative, high-performing workplace that promotes employee engagement, professional growth, and organizational success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of progressive Human Resources experience, with significant experience in HR operations, employee lifecycle management, and process improvement.
• Demonstrated experience managing HR programs, policies, systems, and operational processes in a complex business environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, compliance requirements, HR policies, and HR best practices.
• Experience administering and optimizing HRIS platforms and leveraging HR technology to improve efficiency and employee experience.
• Proven ability to analyze HR data and metrics to identify trends, provide insights, and support business decision-making.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects, process improvement initiatives, and change management efforts.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to influence and partner with leaders and employees at all levels of the organization to achieve results.
• Strong employee relations, customer service, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills along with exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to work effectively with peers in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams; experience with HRIS systems required.
• Excellent analytical, reconciliation, and proactive critical thinking skills.

Schedule

This position is classified as remote/virtual with 10% - 15% travel to Atlanta or Washington, DC. A passport is required for North American travel.