Senior HR Operations Specialist

Senior HR Operations Specialist

Waystone is seeking a Senior HR Operations Specialist to oversee and optimize key Human Resources operational functions across the employee lifecycle, including benefits administration, leave management, HRIS administration, compliance, reporting, and process improvement. This role serves as the primary operational partner to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and provides day-to-day guidance and support to the HR Operations Specialist.

Working closely with employees, managers, payroll, recruiters, benefit partners, and leadership, the Senior HR Operations Specialist ensures HR services are delivered accurately, efficiently, consistently, and in compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements while supporting a positive employee experience.

Location: Lawrence, MA

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. This position is not remote; it is on-site at our main office. This position is benefit eligible as of date of hire.

Compensation: This is a 40-hour, exempt, full-time position. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the Human Resources function.

Why Join the Waystone Team?

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, eligible to enroll on your first day
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k/Roth) with employer match
• 2 weeks' vacation
• 12 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days
• 9 Sick Days
• DEIB Committee with monthly speaker series/events
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Employee Appreciation Events
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral bonuses
• Employee of the Month bonus
• Room for growth within Waystone

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations and monitor operational workflows.
• Establish operational priorities and monitor deadlines, service requests, and outstanding activities.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to the HR Operations Specialist.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for HR operational issues.
• Identify operational risks, service gaps, and process improvement opportunities.

Benefits Administration

• Oversee employee benefits administration and serve as a resource for employees and managers.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities.
• Resolve complex benefits eligibility and enrollment issues.
• Partner with carriers, brokers, payroll, and vendors.
• Coordinate benefits audits, reporting, and compliance activities.
• Leave, Workers' Compensation & Unemployment Administration
• Oversee leave administration and ensure accurate tracking and documentation.
• Review complex leave situations and coordinate appropriate next steps.
• Manage workers' compensation tracking and return-to-work processes.
• Coordinate unemployment claims and responses.
• Monitor trends and recommend process improvements.

HRIS, Compliance & Data Governance

• Oversee employee data accuracy and HRIS administration.
• Conduct HRIS and personnel file audits.
• Partner with Payroll to resolve data discrepancies.
• Maintain compliance calendars and required employment documentation.
• Support internal and external audits.

Process Improvement & Standardization

• Develop, implement, and maintain HR procedures and standard operating procedures.
• Lead initiatives that improve efficiency, consistency, and compliance.
• Identify opportunities for automation and workflow improvements.
• Monitor effectiveness of process changes and adjust as needed.

Employee & Manager Support

• Serve as an escalation resource for complex HR operational matters.
• Provide guidance regarding benefits, leave administration, HRIS processes, and documentation requirements.
• Support managers in the consistent application of HR processes.
• Escalate employee relations, legal, or policy-related concerns as appropriate.

Reporting & Operational Planning

• Review HR operational reports and workforce metrics.
• Identify trends, service gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide operational updates and recommendations to HR leadership.
• Lead HR operational projects and support organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Experience in HR operations, benefits administration, leave management, HRIS administration, compliance, and employee records management.
• Experience providing work direction, mentoring, or oversight to HR staff preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Experience developing and improving HR processes and workflows.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems such as Paycom.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Waystone Health & Human Services is a 501c3, nonprofit, human services organization supporting youth and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities; acquired brain injuries; and mental health diagnoses. Our services are provided to more than 1,700 people annually in cities and towns across the Merrimack Valley, Greater Lowell, North Shore, and southern New Hampshire. Our mission is to partner with people who are diverse in age, ability, and cultural background throughout their personal, work, and life journeys.

Waystone Health and Human Services is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.