Hybrid Senior People Operations Manager chez McClure Engineering

Position Summary

The Senior People Operations Manager plays a critical role at the intersection of HR and Finance. This role is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and administration of our compensation, benefits, payroll, and compliance programs, ensuring they are competitive, compliant, data-informed, and aligned with our strategic business goals. 

Key Responsibilities 

Payroll Administration

· Oversee end-to-end payroll processing in partnership with HR and Finance.

· Ensure accuracy, compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, and timely execution.

· Serve as the internal subject matter expert on payroll systems and vendor relationships (e.g., Paylocity).

Compensation Strategy & Execution

· Conduct market benchmarking, maintain salary bands, and support performance-based pay practices.

· Advise leadership on merit cycles, incentive design, and compensation planning.

Benefits Administration

· Manage all benefit programs including health, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA, HSA, disability, and leave programs.

· Evaluate plan design, cost efficiency, and employee engagement with benefit offerings.

· Lead open enrollment, vendor relationships, and employee communications related to benefits.

Policy & Compliance

· Ensure HR and people-related policies are current, compliant, and clearly documented.

· Maintain compliance with federal and state employment laws, ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.

· Partner with Legal, HR, and Finance to lead audits, filings, and compliance reviews.

Workers’ Compensation & Risk Management

· Administer workers’ compensation claims and act as a liaison with carriers, managers, and injured employees.

· Coordinate incident reporting, return-to-work programs, and safety-related compliance initiatives.

· Track and report workplace injuries and ensure regulatory filings are completed accurately and on time.

HR Data & Systems Management

· Own the integrity and accuracy of employee data across systems.

· Develop and deliver reporting dashboards for leadership on compensation, benefits, turnover, compliance, and workforce trends.

· Continuously improve data workflows, system integrations, and documentation standards.

Strategic Partnership

· Serve as a thought partner to HR, Finance, and business leadership on total rewards and workforce planning.

· Provide insights to support business decisions related to headcount, organizational structure, and cost planning.

· Help shape and reinforce a total rewards philosophy aligned with company culture, DEI goals, and growth trajectory.

Qualifications 

 Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field.

· 7–10 years of progressive experience in total rewards, compensation, benefits, and HR compliance.

· Deep knowledge of payroll, benefits administration, workers’ compensation, and employment regulations.

· Proficient in HRIS/payroll systems (Paylocity preferred) and Excel/data analysis.

· Strong project management skills with ability to lead strategic initiatives and drive daily execution.

· Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a problem-solving mindset.

Preferred Qualifications 

Professional certifications (CCP, CEBS, PHR/SPHR) a plus.

About Us 

McClure Engineering is an "Employer of Choice" repeatedly named one of St. Louis' Top Workplaces and Healthiest Employers!

While being a leader in the engineering industry, McClure's corporate culture promotes work-life balance and fun with a wide-array of company sponsored activities such as annual float trips, summer softball games, barbecues, corporate massages, traveling nurses and cardio, weight & relaxation rooms with on-site showers available to employees and their families. Additionally, McClure offers an extremely comprehensive benefits package, generous paid time-off, support for on-going learning and development, superior wellness program, casual dress work environment, hybrid remote work schedule, and stable retirement (401k) plan and stock purchase program to promote financial security.

What We Offer

Work Environment:

· Work environment is primarily indoors at firms’ facility, with approximately 10% of time spent indoors/outdoors at project or construction sites where hard-hat and other safety gear is often required. (PPE is provided by firm.)

· While performing field work associated with this position employee will be required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl and carry and/or climb ladders of varying heights.

Benefits:

· Medical, Dental & Vision insurance (100% company paid for the employee)

· Health Savings Account – $1300 annual employer contribution

· Flexible Spending Account

· Long-term/Short-term disability coverage

· Life/ AD&D Insurance

· 401K Plan with Safe Harbor Match

· Employee Stock Purchase

· Annual Discretionary Profit Sharing for all employees

· Company provided Identity Theft Projection through NortonLifeLock

· Paid Parking

· Annual Wellness Reimbursement $300

· On-site fitness center

· On-site Showers & Lockers

· Employee Assistance Program

· Paid Vacation, Sick Time & Holidays (including a personal float holiday)

· Continuing Education & Professional Memberships

· Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave

· Flexible Hours that include the ability to schedule 1-day remote per week