HR Operations Specialist Jobs in California
HR Operations Specialist jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with steady demand from technology companies, healthcare systems, and financial services firms at every level from entry-level HR coordinator through senior operations manager. The heaviest hiring concentrates in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers like Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo maintain large HR functions. The most sought-after specialties in California include HRIS administration, leave management compliance under California law, and HR process automation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Director of HR and Operations serves as the Executive Director’s right hand and second-in-command, acting as a trusted strategic partner and senior member of the Leadership Team. This role ensures that as the organization grows, internal systems, operational processes, and human resources practices scale effectively, fostering a healthy, productive, and inclusive organizational culture. The Director partners closely with the Executive Director on organizational strategy and decision-making, is prepared to represent the organization and lead in the Executive Director’s absence, and is instrumental in staff onboarding, professional development, performance management, and leadership support, while overseeing operations and administrative functions that enhance organizational efficiency.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position manages three direct reports, serves as a key member of the Leadership Team, and may act on the Executive Director’s behalf—including with the Board of Directors—when needed. The Director collaborates closely with other Leadership Team members to achieve organizational outcomes, maintain operational excellence, and strengthen organizational culture.
Overarching goals:
● Lead and advance a healthy, productive organizational culture aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and HR best practices.
● Ensure operations are effective, efficient, legally compliant, and aligned with organizational objectives.
● Optimize management systems, operational processes, and HR strategies to support organizational growth and sustainability.
● Serve as a trusted strategic partner and second-in-command to the Executive Director, ensuring continuity of leadership and sound decision-making across the organization.
SPECIFIC DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive & Board Partnership:
● Serve as the Executive Director’s chief strategic partner and second-in-command, stepping in to lead organizational operations and decision-making in the Executive Director’s absence.
● Partner with the Executive Director on strategic planning, board meeting preparation, and organization-wide decision-making.
● Represent CCP with professionalism in interactions with the Board of Directors, funders, community partners, and vendors, maintaining alignment with organizational goals.
Human Resources Leadership:
● Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Director on all people-related matters, including talent acquisition, retention, workforce planning, succession planning, and staff development.
● Design, implement, and maintain competitive compensation structures, benefits programs, and job leveling frameworks that attract and retain top talent.
● Lead performance management initiatives, including goal setting, regular feedback, evaluations, and career development planning.
● Develop and implement strategies that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and foster an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative work environment.
● Oversee and maintain comprehensive HR policies, procedures, and compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws.
● Manage employee relations, conflict resolution, reasonable accommodation requests, and sensitive investigations, ensuring confidentiality and fairness.
● Lead organizational change initiatives and provide guidance on workforce planning, professional development, and succession strategies.
● Partner with managers to assess organizational training needs, develop leadership capacity, and support ongoing professional growth across teams.
● Co-manage the organization’s response to external crises affecting staff or operations (e.g., public health emergencies), ensuring employee well-being and organizational continuity.
Operations:
● Supervise the facilities to ensure safe, secure, and efficient workspaces, positive vendor and maintenance relationships, and effective coordination of facility usage, space allocation, and events.
● Optimize administrative and operational processes for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability across HR, IT, finance, and office services.
● Implement and maintain emergency protocols, safety plans, and incident reporting systems.
● Manage organizational insurance programs, including general liability and workers’ compensation, and evaluate coverage options annually for cost-effectiveness.
Financial Management Systems and Process:
● Partner with the organization’s contract accountant on payroll processing, ensuring accurate deductions, benefits, and compliance with employment and tax regulations.
● Maintain accurate employee records, including compensation, benefits, and employment documentation.
● Partner with the contract accountant on billing, tuition collection, and government-subsidized program payments (e.g., Alternative Payment, CalWORKs).
● Provide financial guidance to families regarding tuition, payment options, and program costs with professionalism and empathy.
● Support budget development, monitoring, and reporting in collaboration with the Executive Director and contract accountant.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS
● High school diploma required, post-secondary degree preferred
● Three years related experience preferred
● Proficiency in both English and Spanish required; bicultural preferred
● Computer and Internet literacy and excellent verbal and written communication skills required
● Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks effectively required
Valid automobile insurance and a valid California Driver's License are required
Join us as we cultivate a vibrant workplace where strategic leadership meets energetic execution!
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 138+ HR Operations Specialist Jobs in California
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Find HR Operations Specialist JobsHR Operations Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
HR Operations Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Crunch Fitness13

- PIMCO4

- TikTok2

- Verkada2

- Fortinet2

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
- Investment & Asset Management
- Cybersecurity
- Sports & Recreation
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in HR operations specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
- Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Oracle HCM
- Working knowledge of California-specific employment law including CFRA, CCPA, and wage and hour rules
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred by most California mid-size and enterprise employers
- Demonstrated ability to manage HR data integrity, audits, and compliance reporting
- Strong experience coordinating onboarding, offboarding, and employee lifecycle processes end to end
HR Operations Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a hr operations specialist in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a closely related field as the foundation. There is no state-issued license for this role, but earning a nationally recognized credential such as the SHRM-CP or PHR meaningfully strengthens your candidacy in the California market. Familiarity with California-specific employment law, including leave regulations and wage and hour requirements, is treated as a baseline expectation rather than a bonus by most California hiring managers.
How much do HR operations specialists make in California?
HR operations specialists in California earn a median of about $170,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $96,430 for the lowest 10% to over $307,600 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire hr operations specialists in California?
Employers hiring hr operations specialists in California right now include Crunch Fitness, PIMCO, and TikTok, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of large technology headquarters, major health systems, and financial services firms means demand is distributed across multiple industries rather than being driven by a single sector.
Which California cities have the most hr operations specialist jobs?
The California cities with the most hr operations specialist openings are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose. The Bay Area leads because of its high density of technology and enterprise headquarters with large, complex HR functions, while Los Angeles draws volume from entertainment, healthcare, and logistics employers, and San Diego's openings are largely tied to its biotech and defense industry base.
Are there remote hr operations specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 66% of hr operations specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how much of the work centers on systems administration, data management, and process coordination that does not require daily on-site presence. The most fully remote segments tend to be HRIS support and HR data analytics roles, while onboarding coordination and employee relations work more commonly require at least a hybrid schedule.
How can I get hired as a hr operations specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an HR coordinator or HR assistant role, which large California employers such as Kaiser Permanente, the University of California system, and major tech companies regularly post as true entry-level positions open to recent graduates. Completing a SHRM student membership and the SHRM-CP exam prep coursework signals commitment to the profession. Adjacent roles in payroll processing, benefits administration, or office operations at California companies offer lateral movement into HR operations, especially when combined with hands-on HRIS exposure gained through internships or administrative work.
Where can I find and apply to hr operations specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to hr operations specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the California market. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 138+ HR Operations Specialist Jobs in California
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