HR Operations Manager

Come join the fun and make a difference with Discovery Cube! For over 25 years, we've been inspiring kids and educators alike with our hands-on science education initiatives and interactive exhibits. Our four core initiatives - STEM proficiency, early childhood education, healthy living, and environmental stewardship - are future-forward in promoting life-long-learning. Plus, with our immersive campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as our educational outreach programs, there are endless opportunities for learning exploration. As a prominent advocate for modern science education, we believe in empowering our learners with real-world applications and spotlighting science as a solution and force for good. Don't miss out on the excitement and join our important mission today!

Position:

The HR Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of core HR operations, with primary responsibility for payroll, benefits administration, workers’ compensation, and leave of absence management. This role ensures accuracy, consistency, compliance with federal and California regulations, and a smooth employee experience across the full employee lifecycle.

This position reports to the Senior Human Resources Manager and serves as a key partner in owning the administration and execution of HR operations. The HR Operations Manager will act as the primary point of contact for employees on payroll, benefits, and leave matters, while contributing to process improvements and supporting a well-rounded HR function across the organization.

Responsibilities:

HR Operations & Execution

• Own the day-to-day execution of HR operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely completion of all processes
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries related to payroll, benefits, leaves, and HR processes
• Identify process gaps and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll in ADP, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws
• Process final paychecks in accordance with California wage and hour requirements
• Prepare payroll reports and support internal and external audits
• Partner with Finance as needed on payroll-related reporting and reconciliation
• Support year-end activities, including W-2 processing and tax reporting

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs, including enrollments, changes, and terminations
• Oversee COBRA administration and ensure timely and accurate processing
• Audit and reconcile benefit enrollments with carriers and brokers to ensure accuracy
• Track eligibility and support ACA compliance requirements
• Support open enrollment execution, including system setup and employee communications

 Workers’ Compensation

• Manage workers’ compensation claims from initial report through resolution
• Coordinate with employees, managers, adjusters, and medical providers
• Ensure timely reporting and compliance with workers’ compensation requirements
• Oversee return-to-work and modified duty assignments in alignment with medical restrictions
• Maintain accurate records and monitor claim activity and trends

Leave of Absence Administration

• Administer all leaves of absence, including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and company leaves
• Track leave eligibility, usage, and required documentation
• Serve as the primary HR contact for employees on leave, ensuring clear and timely communication
• Coordinate with managers on leave planning and return-to-work transitions
• Support the interactive process and accommodation tracking in partnership with the Senior HR Manager

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and reporting requirements
• Prepare and support audits, including payroll, benefits, and 401(k) audits
• Manage 401(k) administration, including contributions, reporting, and vendor coordination
• Conduct routine audits to identify discrepancies or risks and implement corrective actions
• Support required reporting, including California annual pay data reporting

Vendor & Systems Management

• Act as primary liaison with ADP for payroll-related matters and with benefits brokers for benefits administration, including issue resolution and enrollment coordination
• Ensure accurate data flow between ADP and external providers
• Support system updates, testing, and process improvements within HRIS

Additional Responsibilities

• Support employee wellness initiatives and HR programs
• Partner with the Senior HR Manager on process improvements and operational priorities
• Provide support on broader HR initiatives as needed
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with a strong focus on HR operations
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with payroll processing (ADP preferred)
• Strong knowledge of California labor laws, leave regulations (FMLA/CFRA/PDL), and benefits compliance
• Experience managing workers’ compensation claims and leave administration
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a nonprofit or multi-site environment
• Experience with 401(k) administration and audits
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP)
• Payroll certification (CPP or FPC)

What’s In It For You:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees
• 14 Free general admission tickets per year
• 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission
• 10% of on-site dining and shopping discount
• Employee discounts through ADP
• Accrued paid time off for full-time employees
• 10 paid company holidays

Discovery Cube provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.