People Operations Manager

How you’ll demonstrate Ownership

We are looking for a People Operations Manager to be the operational backbone of our US/AMER People function. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role at the heart of the employee experience — the person our employees and managers turn to first when they need support, and the person our People team relies on to keep our HR infrastructure accurate and running smoothly. You will own the day-to-day delivery of core people operations: payroll coordination, onboarding and offboarding, HRIS data management, benefits administration, and first-line employee support. You will work closely with the VP, People Operations & Rewards and partner with the Senior Director, HR on US compliance matters, providing the operational and administrative backbone that keeps us compliant and audit-ready. This is an individual contributor role suited to someone who takes genuine pride in precision, process, and service — and who thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment where no two days are the same.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Coordination & Operational Excellence
  • Own the coordination with Cognite’s outsourced ADP payroll provider, ensuring accurate and timely transmission of all payroll inputs through automated processes, changes, and off-cycle adjustments.
  • Conduct required audits of payroll data, HRIS records, and employee files to ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency across all US jurisdictions.
  • Act as the primary liaison between the People team and payroll — resolving discrepancies quickly and escalating material issues appropriately.
• Employee Lifecycle Management
  • Own the automated and seamless onboarding and offboarding experience for US/AMER employees - in line with compliance requirements.
  • Process all HRIS lifecycle events accurately and promptly: new hires, role changes, leaves, promotions, transfers, and terminations.
• Benefits Administration & Vendor Coordination
  • Oversee the day-to-day administration of US employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and leave programs — ensuring high-quality, responsive service delivery.
  • Act as the operational liaison with benefits brokers and providers, supporting plan renewals, open enrollment, and the implementation of plan changes.