Human Resources Operations Manager

Firm Description - Human Resources Operations Manager 

Walker Warner Architects is an award-winning San Francisco firm with a staff of 80+ that has completed many residential, winery and hospitality projects in California, Hawaii and other Western states. Our work is tailored to the uniqueness and diversity of each client and place, maintaining a consistent focus on design excellence, thorough project management and superior service. We believe in collaboration, continuous learning and sharing, and actively support candidates on the path to become licensed architects. Our office is friendly and spirited, with regular happy hours, field trips and design-focused presentations. We are conveniently located in SoMa within walking distance of all major transit systems.

For more information about our projects and firm, please visit us on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

This position is based out of the San Francisco office and open to a hybrid schedule once onboarding and orientation is complete.


Role Overview

Walker Warner is looking for a highly motivated and proven Human Resources Operations Manager to oversee all HR operations for a growing, multi-state firm in a hybrid work environment.  The purpose of this role is to ensure smooth execution of the HR administration, compliance, and employee support across payroll, benefits, recruitment, performance management, and employee relations.  The HR Manager will have the exciting opportunity to work on a variety of people related projects that will help the firm meet its ambitious goals for the future.  This role will work with all levels of the organization, providing both day to day HR support and will have the opportunity to take ownership of firm wide people related programs.  The ideal candidate will bring their solid HR experience to the team in order to hit the ground running by rolling up their sleeves and jumping head first into the work, is proactive, solution oriented, extremely organized and passionate about creating an exceptional employee experience.

Primary Responsibilities

HR Operations & Compliance

• Manage all employee changes and benefits administration via Rippling (HRIS), including new hires, promotions/compensation adjustments, life event changes, terminations, etc. while partnering closely with Finance on semi-monthly payroll administration.
• Maintain HR records, systems, policies and compliance with all City, State and Federal laws and regulations; currently operating in San Francisco, CA, IL, NY, OH, OR and WA.
• Partner with benefits brokers and third-party providers to coordinate annual benefits open enrollment.
• Regularly update and ensure compliance with the firm’s employee manual and HR policies.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Lead end-to-end recruitment, from job postings and candidate sourcing to interviews, background checks, and offer logistics.
• Oversee seamless onboarding and integration for new hires.

Performance Management

• Schedule and facilitate biannual employee performance reviews.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Serve as a primary contact for employee inquiries, providing guidance on HR policies and benefits.
• Support leadership in employee relations matters, including disciplinary meetings, investigations, and terminations.
• Develop strong working relationships with employees and leadership.

Employee Lifecycle & Programs

• Administer key HR programs, including milestone rewards, required training, I-9 compliance, profit-sharing payments, and year-end updates.
• Manage onboarding and off boarding processes, benefits orientation, and open enrollment.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support ad hoc HR initiatives and projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required
• At least 7+ years of related human resources experience required; ideally at least 2 years in a similar role supporting a hybrid, multi-state organization leading all parts of HR Operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; positive and helpful attitude, ability to provide friendly and professional internal client service
• Extremely organized and capable of effectively handling multiple projects/tasks concurrently with meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills - proactively leads with a curious mindset to identify and execute on best possible solutions
• Excellent computer/technology skills, including proficiency with Microsoft and Google Suite and an HRIS system; experience with JazzHR (ATS), Rippling (HRIS) and Tilt (LOA Admin) preferred
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism and maintain strict confidence and discretion of sensitive information
• Thorough knowledge of CA law required; experience working with employee rules/regulations in San Francisco, IL, NY, OH, OR, WA strongly preferred
• PHR or SHRM-CP strongly preferred

Compensation and Benefits

Walker Warner Architects offers a competitive compensation package including fully paid health benefits for employees, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, generous paid time-off and flexible spending accounts, plus so much more. 

The 2025 hiring base annual salary range is $120,000 to $140,000.  Any offer of compensation will be determined by a candidate’s education, skills, and experience as assessed during the interview process.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter and application questions. We will acknowledge receipt of your information, but only candidates being considered for a position will be contacted directly. 

Please no hard copies, drop-ins or telephone calls. Reposting this job description elsewhere is not permitted.

Diversity

Walker Warner is an e-Verify organization.  We value diversity and know that diverse workplaces lead to a culture of innovation and more successful business outcomes. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

COVID-19 Vaccination

We strongly encourage all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with legal requirements (e.g., for medical and religious reasons.)

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times