HR Operations Specialist

Research Defender

Operations, People & HR

United States · Remote

Posted on Sep 12, 2025

Apply now

ABOUT US

Rep Data consists of a group of experienced industry veterans looking to revolutionize the survey data and sampling process. Our clients include the world’s top management consultancies, market research agencies, and brands. Our mission is to make our clients’ research process easier and to be a reliable, repeatable data collection partner. For life! If you are passionate about delighting customers and simplifying the inherent complexities of data collection, we want to hear from you!

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The HR Operations Specialist will be the operational backbone of our People team, managing the full spectrum of payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee lifecycle administration. This role requires someone who can build and optimize processes while executing flawlessly on day-to-day operations. Reporting to the Head of HR, you'll ensure seamless employee experiences from hire to retirement while maintaining strict compliance and accuracy. The ideal candidate thrives in startup environments, loves creating order from ambiguity, and has deep expertise in payroll and benefits operations.

Department: People Success
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Remote US
Workplace type: Fully remote

Key Responsibilities

Payroll, Benefits & Compliance (US + South Africa)
- Own payroll processing and benefits administration for US employees.
- Coordinate with the South African payroll/benefits vendor to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and South African employment laws (with support from external counsel).
- Oversee 401(k) plan administration, audits, and required reporting.
HR Operations & Systems
- Own Rippling as system admin: workflows, access, data integrity, and reporting.
- Develop and streamline processes for onboarding, offboarding, and employee changes.
- Maintain and update HR policies, handbooks, and documentation.
Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle
- Lead operational aspects of onboarding: pre-boarding, first-day logistics, partnering with managers on 30-60-90 day onboarding plans, etc.
- Partner with the Head of HR and managers to ensure seamless employee experience from hire to exit.
- Track and report on key lifecycle metrics (turnover, tenure, promotions, etc.).
Employee Support & Culture
- Serve as a go-to resource for employees with HR-related questions.
- Support performance review cycles by managing timelines, communications, and system logistics.
- Partner on recognition, engagement, and values-based initiatives.
Projects & Process Improvement
- Collaborate with the SA HR Coordinator on compliance, onboarding, and employee relations.
- Drive process improvement projects in HR operations (automation, templates, playbooks).
- Provide reporting and insights to leadership on headcount, costs, and people metrics.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Education
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources field or equivalent
Experience
- 5+ years of hands-on payroll/benefits administration and HR generalist experience,
- 3+ years in a start up or high-growth environment building processes from scratch
- Deep knowledge of US payroll/benefits; experience with global (esp. South Africa) a plus
- Proven experience with multi-state payroll, tax compliance, and benefits reconciliation
- Expert knowledge of HRIS platforms, preferably Rippling, which houses our HR suite, IT suite, and spend management
- Track record of managing full employee lifecycle operations
Attributes:
- Process Builder: Natural ability to create order and systems from ambiguity
- Detail Obsessed: High attention to detail with commitment to payroll/benefits precision
- Startup Ready: Comfortable wearing multiple hats and adapting quickly to change
- Communication Skills: Able to explain complex benefits/payroll concepts clearly
- Ownership Mentality: Takes full accountability for area of responsibility
- Tech Savvy: Quick to learn new systems and optimize existing tools, particularly with AI

Benefits

Competitive base salary, plus opportunity for quarterly bonus program based on company and individual performance
Employer subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage
Paid time off and paid holidays
401K plan and matching program
Work from home with reimbursements for work-related expenses
Company-provided computer
Paid volunteer program

About Rep Data

Rep Data consists of a group of experienced industry veterans looking to revolutionize the survey data and sampling process. Our clients include the world’s top management consultancies, market research agencies, and brands. Our mission is to make our clients’ research process easier and to be a reliable, repeatable data collection partner - for life! If you are passionate about delighting customers and simplifying the inherent complexities of data collection, we want to hear from you!

At Rep Data, we recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All employees and contractors of Rep Data are responsible for maintaining a work culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with kindness and respect.

Apply Now