Human Resources + Operations Manager

Overview

McDermott Bull is a leading executive search firm with offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Established in 2001, we have steadily grown to rank among North America's top executive search firms by delivering impactful leadership solutions that align with our clients' immediate and strategic needs. Our reputation as a trusted advisor in executive search stems from our commitment to operational excellence and deep sector expertise, allowing us to provide customized, high-impact talent solutions that drive sustainable success.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive HR Operations Management professional to support core human resources functions while driving cross-functional projects that enhance employee experience, compliance, and operational effectiveness. This role blends hands-on HR coordination with project management responsibilities, supporting initiatives across onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, compliance, training, internal communications, and process improvement. The ideal candidate is both people-focused and execution-driven, able to manage sensitive HR matters while also coordinating timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables for key internal projects. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys balancing day-to-day HR support with strategic project coordination.

Key Responsibilities Human Resources

• Assist in administering health insurance plans and employee benefits, including enrollments, changes, terminations, parental leave benefits, and vacation policy administration.
• Facilitate annual company-wide open enrollment meetings and support related employee communications.
• Coordinate with third-party insurance brokers and internal accounting/payroll teams to process benefit-related documentation and ensure accurate deductions and recordkeeping.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee questions and requests, including system access issues, benefits inquiries, and general HR support.
• Draft and send offer letters following internal approval processes.
• Submit and coordinate background checks internally and externally; review completed reports and provide guidance on next steps.
• Partner with internal teams to support new hire equipment setup and system access.
• Coordinate and facilitate new employee onboarding meetings and assist in preparing training schedules.
• Complete Forms I-9, verify supporting documentation, and maintain I-9 files in compliance with legal requirements.
• Assist with employee terminations, including scheduling exit meetings, conducting exit interviews, completing off-boarding paperwork, and coordinating return of company equipment.
• Support the preparation and execution of performance review cycles, including 30-60-90 day reviews.
• Assist with internal recruitment efforts and interview coordination.
• Support investigations involving sensitive HR-related matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Manage internal mentorship and internship programs.
• Administer anti-harassment training and other required compliance trainings.
• Process unemployment claims, including filings with the California EDD.
• Maintain employee records and files, including new hire documentation and ongoing personnel file updates.
• Maintain internal position specifications, organizational charts, and other HR materials.
• Conduct employment verifications.
• Support handbook reviews and policy updates on an annual and as-needed basis.
• Research changes in employment law, minimum wage updates, and state tax changes, and communicate relevant updates to the team.
• Assist with annual ACA compliance reporting.
• Coordinate employee engagement surveys and summarize findings for leadership.

Project Management

• Coordinate and support cross-functional projects from planning through execution, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and key milestones are met.
• Partner with HR, finance, operations, and leadership teams to manage project workflows and support successful implementation of business initiatives.
• Develop, maintain, and update project plans, trackers, status reports, and related documentation to ensure visibility and accountability across initiatives.
• Monitor project priorities and follow up on action items to help keep projects on schedule and aligned with business objectives.
• Support the implementation of new tools, systems, and process improvements by coordinating stakeholders, timelines, testing, and follow-through.
• Maintain reports, dashboards, and tracking tools related to HR operations, compliance activities, employee data, and internal projects.
• Coordinate internal communications, meetings, scheduling, and logistics related to ongoing projects and operational initiatives.
• Identify project risks, bottlenecks, and process inefficiencies, and recommend practical solutions to improve execution and consistency.
• Assist with audit readiness, compliance-related tracking, documentation, and other project-based administrative responsibilities.
• Support leadership with reporting, project updates, meeting materials, and coordination of special projects and strategic initiatives.
• Help establish and maintain consistent project processes, documentation standards, and workflows to support operational efficiency and scalable growth.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in human resources, HR operations, people coordination, or a related field required.
• Prior experience supporting projects, programs, or cross-functional initiatives strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of HR processes, compliance requirements, onboarding, benefits administration, and employee documentation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong experience in Microsoft Office and HRIS/payroll systems and project tracking tools.
• Experience processing basic payroll functions preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build strong working relationships.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Vetting and negotiating new vendor partnerships and contracts.

Key Attributes

• Organized & Detail-Oriented – Keeps projects, documentation, and processes running smoothly and accurately.
• People-Centered – Provides thoughtful, responsive support to employees and internal stakeholders.
• Proactive Problem Solver – Anticipates needs, identifies issues early, and recommends practical solutions.
• Strong Communicator – Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Confidential & Trustworthy – Handles sensitive employee and business information with discretion.
• Execution-Focused – Follows through on priorities and drives projects to completion.
• Adaptable & Resourceful – Thrives in a dynamic environment and manages change effectively.

What We Offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible Vacation Policy
• Generous Parental Leave
• Hybrid Work Environment

Professional Development

• Promote from Within
• Mentorship Programs
• Activate 180 High-Performance Coaching
• Access to Continuous Training

Life Planning

• 401k options with a contribution match
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance

Employee Wellness

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account