Athena is a marketing consultancy where great ideas take flight. With a blend of strategic thinking, creative vision, and hands-on execution, we partner with organizations looking to transform their presence, reputation, and performance. For over ten years, we've delivered business insights, marketing strategies, and brand activations for leading organizations in industries ranging from telecommunications to major league sports.
Our people make Athena, Athena. They're what help set us apart from traditional ad agencies and consultancies. As a 2023 and 2024 Philadelphia Inquirer Top Workplace, we take pride in fostering a work environment where passion meets excellence. Our people are solutions-oriented individuals who eagerly roll up their sleeves to make work that works while sharing a couple of laughs along the way.
About The Position
The Manager of HR Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing HR processes, technology, and compliance to support the overall employee lifecycle. This role ensures operational excellence, enhances HR systems, and drives efficiency in HR service delivery. The Manager will work closely with HR leadership, IT, Finance, and other key stakeholders to align HR operations with business goals.
Requirements
What you'll be responsible for:
HR Strategy & Process Optimization:
- Develop and implement HR operational strategies that support business objectives.
- Streamline and improve HR processes, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and a positive employee experience.
- Lead HR transformation initiatives, including automation and digitalization of HR functions.
HR Systems & Technology:
- Oversee HRIS (Human Resources Information System) management, ensuring data integrity, system functionality, and continuous improvements.
- Partner with IT and vendors to evaluate, implement, and optimize HR technologies.
- Leverage HR analytics to drive data-driven decision-making and workforce planning.
Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensure HR policies, procedures, and systems comply with local, state, and federal labor laws.
- Manage audits, data security, and reporting related to HR compliance (EEO, FLSA, GDPR, etc.).
- Develop and implement best practices for document retention, employee records, and HR reporting.
HR Service Delivery & Employee Experience:
- Develop and implement service-level agreements (SLAs) to enhance HR responsiveness and efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement in employee self-service tools and HR service delivery models.
Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Operations:
- Collaborate with Total Rewards and Payroll teams to ensure smooth administration of compensation and benefits programs.
- Optimize payroll and benefits processes to enhance employee satisfaction and compliance.
- Manage vendor relationships related to benefits, payroll, and HR technology.
The skills and experience you should have:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- 5+ years of operations experience, with experience in HR operations leadership.
- Strong knowledge of HRIS platforms (Rippling, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, UKG, etc.).
- Expertise in HR compliance, policies, and labor laws.
- Proven experience in process improvement, HR service delivery, and HR analytics.
- Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills.
- Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships.
It's a plus if you have:
- Certification in HR (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) or HR systems (Workday, SAP, etc.).
- Background in managing HR transformation or shared services models
Benefits
- Medical/Dental benefits including of 1K Health Reimbursement Account
- Matching 401K
- Generous PTO policy
- Substantial Parental Leave Policy
- Hybrid Work Environment
Candidates must be willing to work hybrid (3 days on-site) in our Philadelphia, PA office.
Curious about your career path at Athena? This role is within a rapidly growing Operations department and the right candidate can excel, produce great work, and have an immediate impact on Athena's culture and growth.
Oh, and our application process is open, easy, as transparent as we can make it, and painless. We need team members like you to join us!
Let's get started.
Athena is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at 866.299.6040.
