Senior Manager/Director, People Operations

About Us

Highwire is a modern strategic communications and digital marketing agency designed for disruptive companies. We work with high-growth technology companies and established brands looking to reinvent themselves.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. And the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure every Highwire Walker has unique support to climb to success. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is permanent and foundational to our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:

Inclusion Always

Growth Mindset

Team Empowerment

Fierce Distinction

We’re looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

We are based in San Francisco, with offices in New York and Chicago. We are open to hiring in the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

The Opportunity

At Highwire, we believe that People Operations should not just support the business but elevate it. As we continue to scale, we are looking for a Senior Manager/Director, People Operations to build and optimize the infrastructure that ensures our policies, processes, and systems enable business success while delivering a seamless employee experience.

This business partner role requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, overseeing performance management, employee relations, people operations, compliance, payroll, benefits, People Analytics, leave of absence administration, and attendance tracking. The Senior Manager will also guide the careers of a People Operations Specialist and People Analyst (who manages payroll), ensuring strong execution across all people operational functions.

If you thrive on improving processes, optimizing People systems, and using data to drive smarter decisions while delivering an award-winning employee experience, this is an opportunity to make a real impact in a high-growth, people-first environment.

Performance Management & Employee Relations

• Drive Highwire’s performance management strategy, ensuring it fosters growth, accountability, and clear career pathways
• Partner with managers and leaders to create 100 day plans for each role at the agency and Sr. level integration plans for strategic hires to ensure clear understanding of what success looks like
• Partner with leadership to create a structured yet flexible feedback culture that enhances engagement, development, and retention
• Provide employee relations support, coaching managers and employees on conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and workplace issues
• Develop and implement manager enablement initiatives, equipping leaders with the tools to coach, support, and develop high-performing teams
• Serve as the HR Liaison for the intern program, assisting new managers and interns
  
  
  

People Operations & Compliance

• Build and scale efficient, tech-enabled HR processes that enhance both productivity and the employee experience
• Oversee the day-to-day execution of People Operations functions, including onboarding, learning and development, performance management, and people analytics.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, data privacy regulations, and Highwire’s hybrid work policies
• Maintain and update HR policies and governance, ensuring they remain clear, compliant, and aligned with business needs
• Manage vendor relationships for HR systems, payroll, benefits, and compliance tools, ensuring top-tier service
  
  
  

Payroll, Benefits, Leave Of Absence & People Analytics

• Oversee payroll execution with the People Analyst, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a frictionless employee experience
• Manage benefits administration and strategy, keeping offerings competitive, inclusive, and well-communicated to employees
• Administer leave of absence (LOA) programs, including FMLA, disability leave, and personal leave, ensuring compliance and a smooth employee experience
• Leverage People Analytics to track workforce trends, turning data into insights that support strategic decision-making
• Partner with Finance to ensure payroll and compensation structures remain competitive, transparent, and aligned with business goals
  
  
  

Attendance, Workforce Planning & Hybrid Strategy

• Manage office attendance tracking and compliance, ensuring alignment with SWOOP policies and Highwire’s hybrid work strategy
• Work with leadership to integrate attendance data into workforce planning, performance reviews, and compensation decisions
• Analyze workforce data to assess trends, identify gaps, and implement solutions that drive business efficiency and employee engagement
  
  
  

Process Optimization, Technology, & Scalability

• Identify and implement HR process improvements, focusing on automation, AI efficiency, and scalability
• Ensure seamless HR systems integration across finance, IT, and operations to improve reporting and workforce planning
• Lead change management efforts for new HR systems, policies, and initiatives, ensuring smooth adoption across the business
• Continuously evaluate HR tools and technology to enhance automation, self-service capabilities, and workforce analytics
  
  
  

What You Bring

• 7 years of HR operations experience, ideally in a high-growth, professional services, or tech-driven environment
• Bachelor's Degree in business administration, Human resources management, communications, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing HR processes end to end, from performance management and employee relations to payroll, benefits, and compliance
• Agency experience within a communications, marketing, or advertising agency is a plus.
• Strong coaching and advisory skills, with experience guiding managers and employees through complex workplace issues
• Demonstrated track record of program design and implementation
• Proficiency in HRIS, payroll, and reporting systems (Rippling, Lattice, Trainual).Knowledge of People Analytics, using data to identify trends, inform strategy, and drive decision-making
• Strong problem-solving and process improvement skills, with the ability to turn operational challenges into scalable solutions
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams
• A process-driven mindset—excited about creating systems, improving workflows, and ensuring efficiency
  
  
  

The duties delineated above will vary depending on the needs of each specific account, and in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. This individual will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisors.

We are actively seeking candidates who possess a genuine passion for tech PR and are excited to expand our team. As we continue to grow our agency, we are proactively building a pipeline of exceptional individuals to connect with and consider for future opportunities.

If you are enthusiastic about the world of tech PR and are eager to embark on a rewarding career in this field, we encourage you to start the conversation by applying today. We value your interest in our agency and look forward to hearing from you.

Apply now and let's explore the possibilities together!

Job Alert

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Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and geography.