People Operations Manager

People Operations Manager at Cognite - AI for Industry. About the role Cognite is seeking a People Operations Manager to serve as the operational foundation of our People function in the US and AMER regions. This role is critical for enhancing the employee experience by providing seamless support and managing essential HR operations. You will act as the first point of contact for employees and managers needing assistance with various HR-related inquiries and processes.

Your responsibilities will include managing payroll coordination, onboarding and offboarding, HRIS management, benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of driving operational excellence within a fast-paced, scaling environment. This position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to the company's growth and employee satisfaction.

Key facts

Location:

Phoenix, AZ Engagement:
Hybrid (3 to 4 days per week in office) Team:
People Operations

• Oversee payroll coordination with our outsourced payroll provider, ensuring that payroll is processed accurately and on time each pay period.
• Conduct regular audits to verify data consistency and resolve any discrepancies promptly.
• Manage the onboarding process for new US/AMER employees, including preparing onboarding materials, coordinating orientation sessions, and ensuring all HRIS data is correctly entered and updated.
• Handle the offboarding process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies, and managing the timely removal of employee data from HR systems.
• Administer employee benefits programs, serving as the primary point of contact for benefits brokers and vendors. Manage open enrollment periods, plan renewals, and communicate benefits options effectively to employees.
• Provide first-line support for HR operational inquiries from employees and managers, addressing questions related to payroll, benefits, policies, and HRIS systems. Ensure all requests are handled professionally and efficiently.
• Maintain HRIS data integrity by regularly auditing employee records, updating information as needed, and supporting system upgrades or process improvements.
• Lead initiatives to improve operational workflows, identify gaps, and implement automation solutions to increase efficiency. Document standard operating procedures and best practices for HR processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Legal, Finance, and IT, to ensure HR operations are compliant with applicable laws and aligned with company policies.
• Support compliance efforts related to employment laws, benefits regulations, and company policies across the US and AMER regions. Keep abreast of legal changes and ensure policies are updated accordingly.
• Assist in developing and updating HR policies and procedures to promote consistency and operational effectiveness.
• Contribute to creating a positive employee experience by ensuring HR operations are smooth, responsive, and aligned with company values.
• Support special projects related to HR operations, such as system implementations, process redesigns, or employee engagement initiatives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees regarding HR processes, fostering a culture of transparency and support.
• Participate in ongoing training and development to stay current with HR best practices, legal requirements, and emerging technologies relevant to HR operations.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in HR or People Operations, preferably within a fast-paced, scaling environment.
• Proven experience working with modern HRIS platforms such as HiBob, and payroll providers like ADP.
• Strong knowledge of US federal employment laws, including wage and hour laws, leave management, and benefits compliance, as well as familiarity with Arizona state employment regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high levels of data accuracy and integrity within HR systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification is preferred.
• Must reside in Phoenix/Tempe, AZ, and be able to work in a hybrid environment, balancing in-office and remote work.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a customer service mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Proactive problem-solver with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Comfortable working with technology and eager to leverage AI and automation tools to streamline processes.
• Knowledge of compliance standards and best practices in HR operations, including confidentiality and data security.

• Experience working in a high-growth technology or SaaS company.
• Familiarity with multistate employment laws and payroll management across different jurisdictions.
• Experience managing benefits…