What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Operations Manager position at City of Somerville?
Statement of Duties:
The HR Operations Manager oversees the City’s core human resources operational functions, including benefits administration, HR systems and reporting, employee lifecycle administration, compliance, and HR administrative services. This position ensures the efficient delivery of HR services across City and School departments while maintaining compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
The role supervises HR administrative staff and coordinates closely with internal departments, external vendors, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant administration of HR and benefits programs. The HR Operations Manager is also responsible for streamlining HR processes, supporting technology improvements, and contributing to recruitment, training, and employee engagement initiatives.
Essential Functions:
The following duties illustrate the range of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if they are similar, related, or logically assigned to the position.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree and five (5) years’ experience in human resource management; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Professional HR certifications, such as SHRM or PHR, preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Abilities And Skill
Knowledge: Working knowledge of Massachusetts and Federal employment laws and City ordinances related to human resources management; thorough working knowledge of office procedures and equipment; some knowledge of municipal government; continual education in HR best practices and trends to make recommendations for system improvements.
Ability: Ability to meet and deal with the public effectively and appropriately; ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively; ability to be a team leader and give constructive feedback; ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing; ability to operate a computer; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to maintain, manage, and organize employment records; ability to assist with sensitive employee relations, investigations, and outcomes as required; ability to quickly learn and master software programs; ability to deal appropriately with City employees, City officials and members of the public.
Skill: Excellent organizational skills; strong interpersonal skills; excellent word and data processing skill in the use of personal computers and office software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Munis, ClearGov and other municipal software programs advantageous.
Work Environment
The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.
Physical And Mental Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Skills
Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs).
Motor Skills
Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
Hours: Full-Time, City Hall Hours. In-Person position.
Salary Range: $100,000-$104,000 annualized, plus benefits.
FLSA: Exempt
Union: Non-Union
Date Posted: June 30th, 2026
The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.
Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:
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The HR Operations Manager oversees the City’s core human resources operational functions, including benefits administration, HR systems and reporting, employee lifecycle administration, compliance, and HR administrative services. This position ensures the efficient delivery of HR services across City and School departments while maintaining compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
The role supervises HR administrative staff and coordinates closely with internal departments, external vendors, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant administration of HR and benefits programs. The HR Operations Manager is also responsible for streamlining HR processes, supporting technology improvements, and contributing to recruitment, training, and employee engagement initiatives.
Essential Functions:
The following duties illustrate the range of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if they are similar, related, or logically assigned to the position.
- Supervises HR administrative staff and part-time assistants, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and high-quality service delivery across all HR functions
- Oversees cross-training within the HR team and across divisions to ensure operational continuity and strong customer service
- Manages the full employee lifecycle administration, including pre-employment processing, training coordination, personnel file management, data reporting, and offboarding
- Oversees administration of employee and retiree benefits programs, including health insurance (through the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission), dental, vision, life insurance, disability programs, workers’ compensation, FMLA, and 457(b)/deferred compensation plans
- Ensures benefits programs are cost-effective, compliant, and responsive to the needs of employees, retirees, and the organization
- Serves as primary HR liaison with benefits-related third-party administrators and coordinates with payroll, finance, auditors, the Retirement Board, and School administrators on all benefits-related matters
- Oversees reconciliation of benefits deductions, insurance billing, payroll systems, and General Ledger accounts across multiple funding sources
- Conducts data collection, analysis, auditing, reconciliation, and reporting of HR and benefits information
- Manages compliance reporting, including Affordable Care Act (ACA), Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD), and other required state and federal filings
- Assists with GASB 45 and other actuarial or financial reporting requirements related to employee benefits
- Conducts analytical work related to benefit plan performance, claims trends, cost forecasting, and collective bargaining impact analysis
- Oversees open enrollment processes, vendor procurement, and benefits-related projects and initiatives
- Oversees HR office operations including payroll processing support, procurement, accounts payable, requisitions, contracts, purchase orders, and invoice approvals
- Plays a key role in employee orientation and retirement seminars, ensuring consistent and accurate delivery of information
- Recommends and supports HR technology enhancements and system upgrades to improve efficiency and data integrity
- Identifies and implements process improvements to streamline HR operations and service delivery
- Conducts regular audits of employee records and benefits data to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Responds to ad hoc reporting and data requests from leadership and external stakeholders
- Assists in the development, implementation, and maintenance of HR policies and procedures
- Ensures compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, security, and privacy requirements governing HR and benefits administration
- Maintains current knowledge of HR best practices, industry trends, and applicable legislation
- Coordinates meetings with City, School, and retiree stakeholders to address issues, resolve concerns, and ensure effective service delivery
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree and five (5) years’ experience in human resource management; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Professional HR certifications, such as SHRM or PHR, preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Abilities And Skill
Knowledge: Working knowledge of Massachusetts and Federal employment laws and City ordinances related to human resources management; thorough working knowledge of office procedures and equipment; some knowledge of municipal government; continual education in HR best practices and trends to make recommendations for system improvements.
Ability: Ability to meet and deal with the public effectively and appropriately; ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively; ability to be a team leader and give constructive feedback; ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing; ability to operate a computer; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to maintain, manage, and organize employment records; ability to assist with sensitive employee relations, investigations, and outcomes as required; ability to quickly learn and master software programs; ability to deal appropriately with City employees, City officials and members of the public.
Skill: Excellent organizational skills; strong interpersonal skills; excellent word and data processing skill in the use of personal computers and office software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Munis, ClearGov and other municipal software programs advantageous.
Work Environment
The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.
Physical And Mental Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Skills
Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment and computer paper (up to 30 lbs).
Motor Skills
Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
Hours: Full-Time, City Hall Hours. In-Person position.
Salary Range: $100,000-$104,000 annualized, plus benefits.
FLSA: Exempt
Union: Non-Union
Date Posted: June 30th, 2026
The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.
Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:
- MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
- Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees
- 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
- Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
- Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
- Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
- Long term disability through Sun Life
- Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
- Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
- Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
- Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
- Annual cancer screening & wellness release
- Somerville Retirement Pension System
- Tuition reimbursement
- MBTA pass program
- FREE Blue Bikes membership
- Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
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Salary : $100,000 - $104,000