Senior Manager, People Operations

Highwire

Feb 24, 2025

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Senior Level
Marketing
People, HR & Administration
San Francisco

Requirements

7+ years of HR operations experience, ideally in a high-growth, professional services, or tech-driven environment.
Bachelor's Degree in business administration, Human resources management, communications, or equivalent experience.
Experience managing HR processes end to end, from performance management and employee relations to payroll, benefits, and compliance.
Agency experience within a communications, marketing, or advertising agency is a plus.
Strong coaching and advisory skills, with experience guiding managers and employees through complex workplace issues.
Demonstrated track record of program design and implementation.
Proficiency in HRIS, payroll, and reporting systems (Rippling, Lattice, Trainual).
Knowledge of People Analytics, using data to identify trends, inform strategy, and drive decision-making.
Strong problem-solving and process improvement skills, with the ability to turn operational challenges into scalable solutions.
Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
A process-driven mindset—excited about creating systems, improving workflows, and ensuring efficiency.

Responsibilities

Drive Highwire’s performance management strategy, ensuring it fosters growth, accountability, and clear career pathways.
Partner with managers and leaders to create 100 day plans for each role at the agency and Sr. level integration plans for strategic hires to ensure clear understanding of what success looks like.
Partner with leadership to create a structured yet flexible feedback culture that enhances engagement, development, and retention.
Provide employee relations support, coaching managers and employees on conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and workplace issues.
Develop and implement manager enablement initiatives, equipping leaders with the tools to coach, support, and develop high-performing teams.
Serve as the HR Liaison for the intern program, assisting new managers and interns.
Build and scale efficient, tech-enabled HR processes that enhance both productivity and the employee experience.
Oversee the day-to-day execution of People Operations functions, including onboarding, learning and development, performance management, and people analytics.
Ensure compliance with employment laws, data privacy regulations, and Highwire’s hybrid work policies.
Maintain and update HR policies and governance, ensuring they remain clear, compliant, and aligned with business needs.
Manage vendor relationships for HR systems, payroll, benefits, and compliance tools, ensuring top-tier service.
Oversee payroll execution with the People Analyst, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a frictionless employee experience.
Manage benefits administration and strategy, keeping offerings competitive, inclusive, and well-communicated to employees.
Administer leave of absence (LOA) programs, including FMLA, disability leave, and personal leave, ensuring compliance and a smooth employee experience.
Leverage People Analytics to track workforce trends, turning data into insights that support strategic decision-making.
Partner with Finance to ensure payroll and compensation structures remain competitive, transparent, and aligned with business goals.
Manage office attendance tracking and compliance, ensuring alignment with SWOOP policies and Highwire’s hybrid work strategy.
Work with leadership to integrate attendance data into workforce planning, performance reviews, and compensation decisions.
Analyze workforce data to assess trends, identify gaps, and implement solutions that drive business efficiency and employee engagement.
Identify and implement HR process improvements, focusing on automation, AI efficiency, and scalability.
Ensure seamless HR systems integration across finance, IT, and operations to improve reporting and workforce planning.
Lead change management efforts for new HR systems, policies, and initiatives, ensuring smooth adoption across the business.
Continuously evaluate HR tools and technology to enhance automation, self-service capabilities, and workforce analytics.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Senior Manager, People Operations at Highwire?

The primary responsibility is to build and optimize the infrastructure that ensures HR policies, processes, and systems enable business success while delivering a seamless employee experience.

What experience is required for this role?

A minimum of 7+ years of HR operations experience is required, ideally in a high-growth, professional services, or tech-driven environment.

Is agency experience preferred for this position?

Yes, agency experience within a communications, marketing, or advertising agency is a plus.

What specific HR functions will the Senior Manager oversee?

The Senior Manager will oversee performance management, employee relations, people operations, compliance, payroll, benefits, People Analytics, leave of absence administration, and attendance tracking.

What kind of culture does Highwire promote?

Highwire promotes a people-first culture driven by core values of Inclusion Always, Growth Mindset, Team Empowerment, and Fierce Distinction.

How does Highwire ensure compliance with employment laws and policies?

The Senior Manager, People Operations will oversee compliance with employment laws, data privacy regulations, and ensure HR policies remain clear, compliant, and aligned with business needs.

Will this role have leadership responsibilities?

Yes, the role involves guiding the careers of a People Operations Specialist and People Analyst, ensuring strong execution across all people operational functions.

What tools or systems does the candidate need experience with?

Proficiency in HRIS, payroll, and reporting systems such as Rippling, Lattice, and Trainual is required.

Does the position require analytical skills?

Yes, the candidate should demonstrate knowledge of People Analytics, using data to identify trends, inform strategy, and drive decision-making.

What is the expected impact of this role within the agency?

The Senior Manager is expected to improve processes, optimize People systems, and use data to drive smarter decisions, contributing to an award-winning employee experience.

Is there a specific educational background required for this position?

A Bachelor's Degree in business administration, Human resources management, communications, or equivalent experience is required.

Are there opportunities for professional development within Highwire?

Yes, Highwire fosters a culture of growth and encourages employees to develop their skills, providing opportunities for personal and professional development.

Highwire

Elevate your story.

Telecommunications

Industry

51-200

Employees

2008

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Highwire is a modern communications agency designed for disruptive companies. Our roots in journalism and Silicon Valley give us the drive, imagination and experience to create meaningful business results through smart communications programs. At Highwire we begin with the end in mind—meeting your business objectives through strategic communications using a smart, informed approach that’s founded on relevance and insight. We roll up our sleeves and immerse our experts in your business, turning your challenges and goals into greater awareness, growth and sales. At Highwire PR, we are entrepreneurs, makers, and explorers. We are committed to fostering an inclusive agency environment, where every employee can be seen, heard, and valued. We believe in taking and owning a seat at the table, and the equal importance of creating empowered spaces for diverse storytellers. We seek to hire, develop, and retain talented professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. Applicants from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.