Sr. Human Resources Manager, Business Operations

Summary

Reporting to the SVP, Human Resources, the Senior Human Resources Manager, Business Operations serves as the lead HR partner for Corporate Operations, Club Operations, Commercial, Marketing, Communications, Retail, and other business functions across San Diego FC.

This role is responsible for driving people strategies and operational HR excellence across talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, talent management, learning & development, compliance, workforce planning, and culture initiatives. The role also serves as the Club's lead HR partner for the internship program and contingent workforce management.

This position plays a critical role in shaping the employee experience within a fast-growing professional sports organization committed to excellence, inclusion, development, and high performance. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and proactive HR leader who thrives in dynamic environments, builds trusted relationships, and balances strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead full-cycle recruiting efforts for Business Operations functions, including workforce planning, sourcing strategy, candidate experience, and hiring manager partnership.
• Partner with leadership to identify staffing needs and develop clear, compelling, and inclusive job descriptions.
• Oversee temporary, seasonal, and contingent workforce hiring processes to support Club operations and events.
• Collaborate with Legal and League partners to ensure compliant recruitment, immigration, relocation, and work authorization processes.
• Oversee and continuously improve onboarding programs to ensure a seamless and engaging new hire experience.
  
  

Internship Program Leadership

• Own the design, administration, and continuous improvement of the Club's internship program.
• Lead candidate sourcing, selection, onboarding, development, and performance feedback processes for the Club and Right to Dream.
• Partner with department leaders to ensure interns receive meaningful learning experiences aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor program outcomes and recommend enhancements that strengthen the Club's talent pipeline and employer brand.
  
  

Talent Management & Learning

• Champion a culture of continuous learning and professional development across Business Operations.
• Support performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, manager coaching, and development planning.
• Facilitate annual compliance, leadership, and professional development training programs.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend data-informed improvements to enhance employee growth and organizational impact.
• Partner with leaders to identify succession, development, and retention opportunities across the organization.
  
  

Employee Relations & Culture

• Serve as a trusted HR advisor to employees and leaders on employee relations, performance management, workplace concerns, and organizational effectiveness.
• Partner with leadership to cultivate a high-performance, inclusive, and values-driven culture.
• Lead employee engagement, recognition, and team-building initiatives that strengthen connection, development, and retention.
• Reinforce a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous feedback, and professional growth.
• Support and help execute Club-wide events and culture-building initiatives.
  
  

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including California labor regulations.
• Maintain oversight of onboarding compliance requirements, including I-9 administration, background checks, work authorization, and required trainings.
• Support the administration and enforcement of HR policies and procedures in alignment with League and Club standards.
• Monitor regulatory updates and HR best practices and proactively recommend policy or process improvements.
• Manage sensitive and complex employment matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
  
  

Contingent Workforce Management

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for the Club's part-time, seasonal, and contingent workforce population.
• Partner with Operations leaders to ensure compliant hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, and offboarding practices.
• Develop scalable people practices that balance operational needs with employee experience, engagement, and compliance.
• Monitor workforce trends and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
  
  

Benefits, Health & Safety

• Partner with employees to support benefits education and resolution of benefit-related inquiries.
• Collaborate with Operations leadership to support workplace safety protocols and employee well-being initiatives across multiple locations.
• Promote a culture of safety, wellness, and employee care across Club Operations.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7 years of progressive HR experience, preferably within professional sports, entertainment, hospitality, retail, events, or other fast-paced operational environments.
• Experience supporting large contingent, seasonal, or hourly workforce populations preferred.
• Experience leading talent acquisition, talent management, and employee relations programs.
• Knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information and navigate complex employee matters with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
  
  

Work Environment

• This role is based onsite at San Diego FC's Club Office in San Diego, California.
• Must be available to support occasional evenings, weekends, matchdays, and Club events as needed.
  
  

San Diego FC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We strongly value student athlete safeguarding and do background screening and training for certifications.