Human Resources Operations Manager

Human Resources Operations Manager

Organization Information

GrowNYC is a 54-year-old environmental nonprofit organization helping more than 3 million New Yorkers by providing essential services and taking action to make NYC a livable city—one where every person can enjoy a healthier, more sustainable life.

GrowNYC programs include:

• Our network of Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and the work of GrowNYC Wholesale, ensuring all New Yorkers have access to fresh, healthy local food
• Building and supporting community and school gardens through volunteer days, technical assistance, training, grants, and more
• Providing 70,000 children each year with programs that create meaningful interactions with the natural environment

Human Resources Operations Manager (Full-Time)

Position Summary

The Human Resources Operations Manager (HROM) oversees the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department and manages all aspects of employee benefits administration. This role partners closely with the Director of HR to manage employee relations and to develop and implement policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that align with organizational objectives while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.

The HROM serves as a strategic partner across all HR domains, including employee relations, benefits administration, HRIS management and optimization, and talent acquisition. This role provides comprehensive support across HR functions, continuously refining processes and upholding policies to meet the organization’s evolving needs. The HROM will also provide leadership and guidance within the HR team and across programs in the HR Director’s absence.

Key Responsibilities

HR Department Operations & Staff Management

• Oversee all HR operations efficiently and effectively
• Guide and support the HR team to ensure strong execution of all HR functions
• Assist with the implementation of HR best practices, strategies, benefits, and procedures
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle from hiring through offboarding
• Collaborate closely with the Director of HR to ensure clear, consistent, and effective communication of HR matters
• Serve as an internal HR liaison and partner with departments across the organization
• Supervise direct reports, providing coaching, performance reviews, feedback, and alignment with departmental goals

Employee Relations

• Support the Director of HR with employee relations matters, ensuring appropriate documentation and policy alignment
• In collaboration with LERC, manage union-related matters including grievance hearings, RFIs, and union communications
• Manage employee relations escalations, partnering with the Director of HR as needed
• Support supervisors with performance management, including coaching, corrective actions, and PIPs
• Provide guidance on disciplinary procedures to ensure consistency and compliance
• Conduct internal investigations under the guidance of the Director of HR

Benefits & Payroll Management

Benefits Administration

• Collaborate with the Payroll & Benefits Specialist to manage all benefits communications, including:
• New hire orientations
• Plan updates
• Open enrollment
• Paid time off policies
• General employee inquiries
• Manage benefits administration within Paylocity, ensuring:
• System accuracy
• Proper plan configurations
• Resolution of EDI discrepancies with carriers
• Oversee and coordinate annual open enrollment in Paylocity, including system setup, employee support, and carrier submissions
• Ensure benefits compliance with applicable laws and regulations (ACA, COBRA, ERISA, etc.), including required reporting and documentation
• Oversee COBRA administration in partnership with Paylocity
• Manage all leaves of absence, including:
• Short- and long-term disability
• NYPFL
• FMLA
• Workers’ compensation

Payroll

• Serve as second-tier payroll reviewer for biweekly payroll processing
• Process and submit payroll when needed
• Maintain payroll data related to new hires, terminations, raises, and other changes
• Partner with the Payroll & Benefits Specialist to resolve payroll issues and employee questions
• Audit W‑2 forms and year-end payroll reports for accuracy and IRS compliance

Other Administrative Responsibilities

Incentive Savings Plan Administration

• Distribute annual statements, Summary Annual Reports (SARs), and required communications
• Process rollover forms and assist with employee loan requests
• Serve as a point of contact for employee questions related to the plan

Performance Review Process

• Manage the full performance review cycle, including:
• 90-day check-ins
• 6-month evaluations
• Annual reviews
• Ensure timely completion and collaborate with leadership
• Generate annual raise proposal reports aligned with evaluations and budget
• Recommend process improvements for effectiveness and consistency

Additional Duties

• Monitor the HR mailbox and phone line, routing inquiries appropriately
• Track HR metrics and generate reports and ad hoc data requests as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 5 years of experience in a similar role
• 3 years of experience with HRIS systems, including configuration, benefits administration, and reporting (Paylocity preferred)
• Up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws
• Experience working in a union environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to enforce deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and Google applications
• Motivated self-starter with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to collect, synthesize, interpret, and report data

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience with Paylocity and TalentLMS (or similar platforms)
• Interest in food justice and equitable policies
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain seated for extended periods and travel within the five boroughs as needed.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (35–40 hours per week).

On-site at GrowNYC’s downtown Manhattan office three days per week.

In-office presence required every Wednesday.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt salaried position with compensation ranging from $80,000–$92,000, including full benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Incentive savings plan
• Paid time off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Potential parental leave (after 175 days of employment)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

This position is non-union eligible and not part of the bargaining unit.

Location

GrowNYC

100 Gold Street

New York, NY

Occasional visits to the Wholesale Food HUB at 298 Halleck Street, Bronx, NY, and participation in employee-related events.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three professional references

Gallagher's HR & Organizational effectiveness team provides expert guidance and hands-on support in HR, Recruiting, and Payroll to help organizations stay focused on achieving their strategic business goals.