HR Operations Specialist Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Job Title: HR Operations Specialist Department: Human Resources / People Operations Location: [City, State] — On-site / Hybrid / Remote Reports To: HR Operations Manager / Director of HR / VP People Employment Type: Full-Time About [Company Name] [Company Name] is a [industry] company with [X] employees across [X] locations. Our People Operations team is the operational backbone of the employee experience — ensuring accurate data, seamless lifecycle processes, regulatory compliance, and reliable HR services that allow our business leaders and employees to focus on their core work. We are committed to continuous process improvement, data integrity, and delivering a best-in-class people operations function. About the Role We are seeking a detail-oriented and process-driven HR Operations Specialist to own the day-to-day execution of core HR operational functions including HRIS data management, employee lifecycle administration, onboarding and offboarding workflows, benefits coordination, compliance recordkeeping, and HR reporting. In this role, you will serve as the primary point of contact for HR system data integrity, partner with payroll and benefits teams to ensure accurate and timely processing, respond to employee HR inquiries, and continuously identify opportunities to streamline and automate HR operational processes. Key Responsibilities • Administer all employee lifecycle transactions in [HRIS platform: Workday / ADP Workforce Now / BambooHR / UKG Pro / SAP SuccessFactors] including new hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, compensation changes, and organizational restructuring events • Own and execute the end-to-end onboarding process: coordinate pre-hire paperwork, I-9 verification, background checks, system provisioning requests, benefits enrollment initiation, and new hire orientation scheduling • Manage offboarding workflows: coordinate separation paperwork, system access revocation requests, COBRA notifications, final paycheck coordination, and exit survey distribution • Maintain the accuracy and completeness of all employee records in the HRIS; conduct regular data audits and reconciliation to identify and resolve discrepancies • Administer leave of absence programs (FMLA, state leave, ADA accommodations) in compliance with federal and state requirements; coordinate with managers and payroll on leave tracking and return-to-work planning • Support benefits administration including open enrollment setup and communication, qualifying life event processing, vendor invoice reconciliation, and year-end reporting (ACA 1094/1095 filings) • Produce HR reports and dashboards covering headcount, turnover, time-to-fill, diversity metrics, and ad hoc data requests for HR leadership and business partners • Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws including FLSA, FMLA, ACA, EEO-1 and VETS-4212 filings, OSHA 300 logs, and applicable state-specific requirements • Respond to employee inquiries via HR ticketing system or email within defined SLA targets; escalate complex issues to HR business partners appropriately • Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities within HR operations workflows, in partnership with HRIS and IT teams Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field • 3+ years of HR operations, HR coordinator, or HR generalist experience with significant operational responsibilities • Hands-on proficiency with one or more major HRIS platforms ([Workday / ADP Workforce Now / SAP SuccessFactors / BambooHR / UKG Pro]) • Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws: FLSA, FMLA, ACA, I-9/E-Verify compliance, and EEO regulations • Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data validation; proficiency with HRIS reporting modules • Experience administering employee benefits programs and coordinating with benefits brokers or third-party administrators • High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment • Demonstrated discretion with sensitive employee and compensation data in compliance with confidentiality standards Nice to Have • PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SHRM-CP certification • Experience with multi-state HR administration including state-specific leave laws, final pay requirements, and local ordinances (CA, NY, MA, WA) • Proficiency with HR data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, or HRIS embedded analytics) • Experience with HRIS implementation, configuration, or system migration projects What We Offer • Base salary: $55,000–$90,000 depending on experience and HRIS expertise • Annual performance bonus • PHR/SHRM-CP certification exam fee reimbursement and continuing education budget • Full medical, dental, and vision coverage • 401(k) with [X]% employer match • Paid time off: [X] days vacation + [X] holidays • Flexible/hybrid work schedule • Exposure to HR technology projects and opportunities to grow into HRIS management or HR analytics roles