People Operations Lead (AI/ML)

TL;DR

People Operations Lead (AI/ML): Building and operating scalable people infrastructure covering HR systems, payroll, benefits, compensation, compliance, and workforce analytics with an accent on multi-state operations and manufacturing workforce readiness. Focus on designing accurate reporting, managing complex leave and employment requirements, and building timekeeping and compensation processes for organizational growth.

Location: On-site in Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States

Base salary: $140,000–$160,000 per year

Company

A digital olfaction company developing AI and machine learning technologies that give computers a sense of smell for applications in fragrance, manufacturing, security, medicine, and other industries.

What you will do

• Manage the HRIS and ATS as systems of record, including configuration, integrations, permissions, governance, and data flows.
• Build headcount, attrition, tenure, organizational span, cost, time-to-fill, and function-level reporting for executive and board use.
• Administer immigration, leave programs, employment records, benefits compliance, required filings, audits, and multi-state registrations.
• Run payroll, benefits renewal and enrollment, carrier administration, compensation cycles, job architecture, and offer pricing in partnership with Finance.
• Build timekeeping, scheduling, and attendance processes for manufacturing growth, including overtime, shift differentials, meal and rest periods, and retroactive pay.
• Manage vendors, answer employee questions, and escalate sensitive issues to the Chief People Officer.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in people operations, HR operations, or total rewards, including end-to-end payroll ownership.
• Hands-on experience with multi-state payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees, including hourly work, overtime, and timekeeping.
• Experience owning benefits through renewal, open enrollment, and daily administration.
• Experience with compensation operations, including benchmarking, salary bands, merit cycles, and equity administration.
• Strong analytical and spreadsheet skills; ability to build reporting models independently.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and complete employment eligibility verification.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting manufacturing, laboratory, or warehouse workforces during a growth phase.
• Experience working on a lean People Operations team.
• HRIS implementation or migration experience.
• Experience partnering with Finance on payroll reconciliation, headcount modeling, or equity administration.
• Multi-state employee relations and compliance experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Flexible paid time off and company holidays.
• Equity or incentive compensation for eligible roles.
• Inclusive environment focused on diversity of thought, background, and approaches.