People Ops Manager

About the Role

The People Operations Manager for Unilever’s Wellbeing Collective NA will oversee HR systems, data, and reporting, while also supporting compliance, benefits, and payroll. Reporting to the Head of People Operations, this role is ideal for someone who thrives in both fast‑paced, high‑growth environments and structured corporate settings. You will partner with our US‑based operating companies, be hands‑on with HR systems (especially Paylocity), ensure data integrity, and help build scalable, efficient people operations that elevate the employee experience. You enjoy day‑to‑day operational work, continuously look for better ways of doing things, and can communicate complex, technical topics clearly to different audiences.

Key Responsibilities

HR Systems
Own and manage the HRIS (Paylocity) and related systems, including administration, workflows, and integrations.
Serve as the subject matter expert for HR systems, ensuring effective configuration, data integrity, and efficient operations.
Lead system enhancements, implementations, and releases across modules.
Manage system security, including roles, permissions, and data access, in line with compliance and governance requirements.
Collaborate with HR, IT, Payroll, Finance, and business stakeholders to translate needs into scalable system solutions.
Troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and recommend continuous improvements.
Understand Workday configuration and data for broader Wellbeing Collective reporting and analytics needs.
Support cross‑functional initiatives and share best practices with the broader People team.

Data & Reporting
Develop and maintain HR dashboards, reports, and analytics to inform leadership decisions.
Own monthly and recurring reporting for Unilever NA and other enterprise‑wide reporting requests.
Ensure data integrity across workforce systems, maintaining a single source of truth for HR information.
Implement process improvements and automation to drive secure, accurate, and compliant employee data management

Compliance
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Oversee audits and reporting related to compensation, payroll integration, and HR data.
Complete ESRS, Non‑Discrimination Testing, EEO‑1, and other annual compliance reporting across operating companies.
Stay current on regulatory requirements and market trends and translate them into compliant practices and clear guidance.

Payroll & Benefits
Support benefits administration, including open enrollment, life‑event changes, and vendor management.
Partner with Payroll to help ensure accurate and timely processing.
Create resources and communication templates for key payroll and benefits milestones.
Act as an escalation point for payroll discrepancies and support resolution in line with legal and tax requirements.
Support payroll‑related audits and recommend process improvements to address recurring issues.
Partner with retirement plan administrators to help ensure accurate administration and compliance.

Operational Excellence & Change
Collaborate cross‑functionally to improve the employee experience and operational efficiency.
Identify, evaluate, and implement streamlined processes and technology enhancements across People Operations.
Develop playbooks and guides for onboarding, offboarding, and other key lifecycle processes.
Train People & Culture team members on workflows and systems to enable consistent execution.
Support integrations and transitions during acquisitions and other organizational changes.
Identify program risks and dependencies, develop mitigation strategies, and lead change management efforts to drive adoption of new policies, processes, and systems.

Qualifications & Experience

3 to 5 years of progressive HR / People Operations experience.
Hybrid role
Strong expertise in HR systems, with direct experience managing Paylocity required.
Experience with Workday or other enterprise HRIS is a strong plus.
Proven ability to analyze HR data and create actionable reporting and insights.
Strong Excel proficiency (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables) with the ability to integrate and synthesize data from multiple sources
Strong knowledge of US compliance requirements (for example FMLA, ADA, EEO; familiarity with data privacy requirements such as GDPR or CCPA is a plus).
Experience supporting benefits and payroll processes in multi‑state environments.
Background in both high‑growth / start‑up and large company environments preferred.
Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to flex between strategic initiatives and hands‑on execution.

Attributes
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building or improving processes from scratch.
Strong project management and prioritization skills.
Collaborative mindset with a strong focus on employee experience and stakeholder partnership.

Ability to balance efficiency, compliance, and empathy in decision‑making.

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