OPT HR Operations Specialist Jobs
HR Operations Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with a background in human resources, business administration, or organizational psychology. These positions typically involve HRIS management, benefits administration, and compliance work, all of which qualify as practical training directly tied to your degree field.
See All OPT HR Operations Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 30+ HR Operations Specialist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 30+ HR Operations Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new HR Operations Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As a Specialist on the Human Resource Information System and Payroll team, you will provide an essential service analyzing HRIS and payroll processes, identifying opportunities, and providing recommendations for optimization. The ideal candidate will ensure that HRIS and payroll processes are accurate, efficient, compliant, and consistent with our company’s overall objectives. In this position, you will also be responsible for first-line support for HR System support and assisting with the coordination of all on and off cycle biweekly payroll processing.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A day in the life…
- Maintain and help drive production planning and execution to support accurate and efficient day-to-day operations
- Participate in a consultative role to support assigned region with employee inquiries, complex employee issues, and processing questions
- Execute complex and/or high impact business processes and/or transactions
- Ability to identify complex issues and demonstrate curiosity to investigate and resolve
- Proactively assess, refine and implement HRIS and Payroll process improvements and tools, including appropriate documentation
- Plan, facilitate, and/or execute projects, including owning entire larger impact projects, as assigned
- Build positive team relationships through collaboration and active participation to achieve department and team goals
- Serve as an escalation point and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for more complex HRIS and Payroll matters
- Provides training, guidance, and support to the HRIS and Payroll team regarding relevant topics
- Ability to initiate and lead conversations to drive payroll projects and issue resolutions
- Support the administration of time, pay, and absence data for bi-weekly payroll processing
- Support the administration of benefits, compensation, leave, learning, and recruiting
- Ensures per pay period, quarterly, and annual payroll reporting is performed accurately and on-time
- Performs basic maintenance on payroll updates and is responsible for testing new or changed payroll functionality
- Provide exceptional service through professionalism, ownership and initiative
- Ensure accuracy, confidentiality and security of information being processed, stored or accessed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
You own this if you have...
- 1+ years of experience in the areas of payroll, time-keeping, human resources, benefits administration, finance, HRIS application support, or other relevant work experiences
- 2+ years of customer service experience
- Ability to work on-site 4 days per week
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel
- Experience communicating complex HRIS and Payroll concepts to broad audiences across an organization
- Excellent customer service skills, organization, time-management, written and verbal communication skills
- Self-motivation is a must as well as an ability to work in a fast-paced environment with ever changing priorities
- Working knowledge of Payroll/HRIS systems and processes is preferred (Workday system, payroll processing, tax principles, wage and hour law, and human resources systems)
- Associate of science degree in business administration or accounting preferred
LOCATION
This is a hybrid role requiring the selected candidate to be located within a commutable distance of the Nordstrom corporate offices in Seattle, WA and work onsite four (4) days per week
BENEFITS
We’ve got you covered…
Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:
- Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
A few more important points...
The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com.
Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ’s for relevant information and guidelines.
© 2022 Nordstrom, Inc
Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.
Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date.
PAY RANGE DETAILS
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
$25.25 - $40.50 Hourly
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_07-14_Full_Time_ES-US.pdf
INTRODUCTION
As a Specialist on the Human Resource Information System and Payroll team, you will provide an essential service analyzing HRIS and payroll processes, identifying opportunities, and providing recommendations for optimization. The ideal candidate will ensure that HRIS and payroll processes are accurate, efficient, compliant, and consistent with our company’s overall objectives. In this position, you will also be responsible for first-line support for HR System support and assisting with the coordination of all on and off cycle biweekly payroll processing.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A day in the life…
- Maintain and help drive production planning and execution to support accurate and efficient day-to-day operations
- Participate in a consultative role to support assigned region with employee inquiries, complex employee issues, and processing questions
- Execute complex and/or high impact business processes and/or transactions
- Ability to identify complex issues and demonstrate curiosity to investigate and resolve
- Proactively assess, refine and implement HRIS and Payroll process improvements and tools, including appropriate documentation
- Plan, facilitate, and/or execute projects, including owning entire larger impact projects, as assigned
- Build positive team relationships through collaboration and active participation to achieve department and team goals
- Serve as an escalation point and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for more complex HRIS and Payroll matters
- Provides training, guidance, and support to the HRIS and Payroll team regarding relevant topics
- Ability to initiate and lead conversations to drive payroll projects and issue resolutions
- Support the administration of time, pay, and absence data for bi-weekly payroll processing
- Support the administration of benefits, compensation, leave, learning, and recruiting
- Ensures per pay period, quarterly, and annual payroll reporting is performed accurately and on-time
- Performs basic maintenance on payroll updates and is responsible for testing new or changed payroll functionality
- Provide exceptional service through professionalism, ownership and initiative
- Ensure accuracy, confidentiality and security of information being processed, stored or accessed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
You own this if you have...
- 1+ years of experience in the areas of payroll, time-keeping, human resources, benefits administration, finance, HRIS application support, or other relevant work experiences
- 2+ years of customer service experience
- Ability to work on-site 4 days per week
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel
- Experience communicating complex HRIS and Payroll concepts to broad audiences across an organization
- Excellent customer service skills, organization, time-management, written and verbal communication skills
- Self-motivation is a must as well as an ability to work in a fast-paced environment with ever changing priorities
- Working knowledge of Payroll/HRIS systems and processes is preferred (Workday system, payroll processing, tax principles, wage and hour law, and human resources systems)
- Associate of science degree in business administration or accounting preferred
LOCATION
This is a hybrid role requiring the selected candidate to be located within a commutable distance of the Nordstrom corporate offices in Seattle, WA and work onsite four (4) days per week
BENEFITS
We’ve got you covered…
Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:
- Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
A few more important points...
The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com.
Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ’s for relevant information and guidelines.
© 2022 Nordstrom, Inc
Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.
Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date.
PAY RANGE DETAILS
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
$25.25 - $40.50 Hourly
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_07-14_Full_Time_ES-US.pdf
See all 30+ OPT HR Operations Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT HR Operations Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a HR Operations Specialist
Target employers with established HR departments
Mid-size and large companies with dedicated HR teams are far more likely to have OPT sponsorship experience. They already have HR staff who understand work authorization documentation, which makes the onboarding process smoother for you and them.
Lead with your HRIS and systems experience
Employers hiring for HR Operations roles prioritize candidates who know Workday, ADP, or similar platforms. Highlighting specific system proficiency upfront separates you from generalist applicants and signals you can contribute immediately, which matters when an employer is weighing OPT paperwork.
Frame OPT as low-risk for operations roles
HR Operations Specialist positions rarely require security clearance or citizenship. When employers raise visa concerns, clarify that OPT authorization comes through USCIS and your university, not the employer, which removes the assumption that sponsorship means significant cost or legal complexity.
Emphasize your CPT or internship experience in HR
If you completed CPT in an HR-adjacent role, lead with that. Employers want proof you can handle sensitive employee data, payroll processes, and compliance tasks professionally. Concrete prior experience in a U.S. workplace reduces the perceived risk of hiring an OPT student.
Apply early and communicate your OPT timeline clearly
HR Operations hiring cycles can run four to eight weeks. Apply with enough lead time before your OPT start date so the employer can make a decision without feeling rushed. State your authorization period upfront to avoid late-stage surprises that derail an otherwise strong candidacy.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers
Searching general job boards surfaces roles without any signal on visa friendliness. Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers open to OPT candidates, so you spend time applying to roles where your work authorization status is already understood and accepted by the hiring team.
HR Operations Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do HR Operations Specialist roles commonly sponsor OPT students?
Yes, HR Operations is one of the more accessible fields for OPT students because employers with formal HR departments are already familiar with work authorization processes. Companies with 200 or more employees tend to have dedicated HR staff who handle I-9 compliance and EAD documentation regularly, making OPT a straightforward authorization type for them to accommodate.
Does an HR Operations Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If your undergraduate or graduate degree is in a STEM-designated field such as management information systems, industrial-organizational psychology, or HR information systems, and your role involves analytical or technical HR work like HRIS administration or workforce data analysis, it may qualify. Review your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the 24-month STEM extension.
What should I include in my OPT job offer letter for an HR Operations role?
Your offer letter needs to state your job title, start date, employment type (full-time, at least 20 hours per week for OPT compliance), and a brief description of duties tied to your degree field. For HR Operations specifically, the letter should reference responsibilities like HRIS management, benefits coordination, or HR compliance work so the connection to your degree is documented clearly for your DSO.
How do I explain my OPT status to an HR hiring manager without losing momentum?
Be direct and early. In your cover letter or first interview, state that you have OPT work authorization valid through a specific date and are eligible to work without employer sponsorship for that period. HR hiring managers in particular understand work authorization well. A clear, confident explanation tends to resolve concerns faster than waiting for them to ask. You can find employers already familiar with OPT on Migrate Mate.
Can I work as an HR Operations Specialist for a staffing agency on OPT?
Yes, but with important caveats. If you are placed at a client site, USCIS considers the end client your de facto employer, not the staffing agency. Your OPT must be tied to work that directly relates to your degree field, and the actual day-to-day duties at the client site must reflect that. Staffing arrangements can complicate STEM OPT extension applications, so consult your DSO before accepting a contract placement.