People Operations Manager (HR)

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The People Operations Manager is responsible for building, executing, and continuously improving the core operations of the Human Resources function. This role owns the systems, processes, and programs that support the full employee lifecycle—ensuring a seamless, efficient, and high-quality employee experience.

As part of a small, high-impact HR team supporting an organization of approximately 50 employees, this role is both hands-on and strategic in execution. Partnering closely with the Associate Director of HR, the People Operations Manager translates priorities into action, strengthens operational foundations, builds and implements scalable processes, and drives continuous improvement across all areas of HR in support of the organization’s people strategy.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own day-to-day HR operations across the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, benefits administration, employee records, policy administration, and offboarding
• Develop, document, and refine HR processes and workflows to promote consistency and clarity
• Manage and continuously improve the recruiting process, including ATS management, candidate experience, and communications
• Support the execution and ongoing enhancement of performance management and goal-setting processes 
• Identify opportunities to streamline work and implement scalable improvements through tools, automation, and thoughtful process design 
• Maintain HR policies and ensure compliance; proactively identify and mitigate potential risks
• Contribute to employee engagement efforts, including surveys, analysis, and follow-up actions 
• Coordinate annual HR activities, manage projects, and partner closely with the Associate Director of HR to advance key initiatives 
• Manage HR systems to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and reliable reporting
• Draft and coordinate internal HR communications with clarity and care
• Monitor and analyze key people metrics (e.g., hiring, headcount, turnover, performance), and share insights to inform decision-making
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for employees and managers, providing responsive and thoughtful support
• Manage and support HR student staff

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate brings 2–4 years of experience in human resources, preferably in a generalist or people operations role; or equivalent experience. They have experience owning and executing HR processes end-to-end and are knowledgeable about HR systems (HRIS, ATS, and benefits platforms). This individual is proactive and solutions-oriented, with a track record of identifying inefficiencies, implementing improvements, and using data to inform decisions. They have a proven ability to build, document, and continuously improve workflows for efficiency and scalability. They are comfortable managing multiple priorities across the HR function, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment, brings strong organizational and analytical skills, and is an effective communicator who can support employees and their managers, engage and partner across teams, and strengthen a high-functioning, operationally excellent HR function.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Job Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Salaried, Non-exempt

Work Arrangement:

• Primarily onsite, with some opportunity for remote work
• Must be within commuting distance to office

Compensation: 

• $60,000-$68,000 annual base salary, plus eligibility to participate in an incentive compensation program

Benefits:

• Group health, dental and vision plans
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Life & disability insurance provided and funded by the LLC
• Flexible spending account options
• Paid holidays and time-off
• Paid parental leave and other leave programs
• Professional development opportunities

TO APPLY:

Please visit our website at: https://execdev.unc.edu/careers/. A resume and cover letter are required to complete the application. The deadline to apply for this position is Friday, May 1, 2026.

The People Operations Manager is an employee of the Kenan-Flagler Business School Executive Education, LLC, an affiliated organization of UNC-Chapel Hill. This position is not a University or State of North Carolina position.  

ABOUT UNC EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT:

UNC Executive Development takes great pride in designing and delivering innovative, customized learning solutions to address our clients’ specific business, organizational, and leadership development needs. We collaborate with many client organizations, including Fortune 500 companies and governmental organizations, to drive long-term impact. As part of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, we are an internationally recognized leader in the field of executive education.

Kenan-Flagler Business School Executive Education, LLC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. EOE M/F/D/V.