Manager, Human Resources Operations

Manager, Human Resources Operations Location: Cambridge, MA Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Job Description Summary: The Manager, HR Operations oversees daily human resources functions that keep the workforce running smoothly. This role manages a team of HR Operations staff and is responsible for supervising day to day HR processes—including recruiting support, employee onboarding & off boarding, benefits administration, HRIS data integrity, and general employee inquiries—while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws. The role blends strong leadership, a customer focused service mindset, and a continuous improvement drive to deliver high quality, risk mitigated HR services. This role will be on-site in Draper's Cambridge, MA facility. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities Manage HR Operations team including hiring, training, and coaching; setting clear performance expectations, managing coverage during peak periods, and ensuromg high performance while maintaining a culture of accountability and collaboration. Direct day-to-day HR administrative operations for recruiting administrative support, benefits administration, employee transactions, onboarding, offboarding, HR expenses and invoices, general HR inquiries, and manager/employee self service Recruiting administrative support; scheduling phone screens/interviews, managing candidate travel, processing candidate expense reports, supporting recruiting event inventory and logistics Benefits administration; open enrollment support, employee life events, employee inquiries, and tuition reimbursement Onboarding; processing background checks, monitoring pre-employment activities, I9 processing and compliance and coordinating new hire orientation logistics Ensure all activities comply with federal, state, and local labor laws, maintain accurate employee documentation (I‑9s, authorizations, benefits elections) to mitigate risk, and conduct regular audits of HRIS data, onboarding checklists, and benefits records. Evaluate existing HR workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement scalable, standardized HR practices. records maintenance, HRIS (e.g., Workday, PeopleSoft) data management Develop and maintain up‑to‑date SOPs, checklists, and flowcharts for all HR Operations activities. Collaborate with various HR teams to resolve complex issues, identify process improvements, and communicate change. Partner with Finance/Payroll, Security/IT, and other internal functions to resolve issues and support ongoing process/systems enhancements. Skills/Abilities Proven experience in any combination of recruiting support, onboarding, benefits administration, and HRIS data management. Proficiency in HRIS systems (ideally Workday), applicant tracking systems (ATS), Benefits Administration Systems (e.g. Aptia, BCBS), and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace. Detail‑oriented with excellent communication, problem‑solving, and customer‑service skills. Strong interpersonal skills to handle sensitive employee relations issues and collaborate with peers and all levels of management. Ability to lead a team, delegate tasks, and mentor staff. Education Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience). Experience 6 years of HR experience, at least 2 years supervising/leading an administrative team. Additional Job Description: Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance. Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration. Job Location - City: Cambridge Job Location - State: Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time position is $117,500.00 - $307,500.00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role.Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits. Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers. Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.