People Operations Lead

We can’t wait to share our passion for aviation with you! Join a team that works hard, cares for each other and offers plenty of opportunities to grow.

At Piedmont Airlines, our strength is the way we deliver industry-leading service to our customers and airline partners. To continue our standard of excellence, Piedmont is seeking a motivated, reliable leader to join our team as a People Operations Lead on the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and Strategy team. This position is responsible for leading the daily operations of the People Operations team, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of high-volume HR transactions across the team member lifecycle. This role oversees operational service delivery; develops and maintains standardized processes and policy; monitors performance and quality metrics; and provides coaching and development to team members. The successful candidate will partner closely with HRIS and Functional subject matter experts (SMEs) (compensation, payroll, benefits, etc.) to ensure transactions are processed accurately, service levels are met, and operation processes are continuously improved. This role serves as the primary escalation point for transaction processing issues and drives operational excellence through standardization, documentation, training, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position reports to the HRIS Manager.

Essential Duties:

Lead, coach, develop, and manage a team of People Operations Specialists

Establish performance expectations and monitor productivity, quality and service level agreements

Partnering with HRIS manager, provide ongoing coaching, feedback and career development opportunities, as well as corrective actions when necessary

Support workload balancing, resource planning, and prioritization of team activities to meet operational demands and business needs

Oversee the execution of Human Capital Management (HCM) transactions, including hires, job changes, organizational assignments, compensation changes, leave transactions, worker data updates, terminations, and other team member lifecycle activities

Ensure transactions are processed accurately, timely, and in accordance with established service level agreements, policies, and procedures

Monitor daily work queues; review, investigate, and resolve escalated transaction issues, data discrepancies, and operational challenges; support prioritization of workload based on business needs

Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies and audit requirements

Develop, document, maintain, and govern standard operating procedures, policies, work instructions, and operational processes to ensure clear ownership, consistency, and adherence across the organization

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, eliminate manual effort, and standardize processes

Lead operational process improvement initiatives and support implementation of new processes

Partner with HRIS on system enhancements, testing, and deployment readiness

Analyze operational, quality, and workload trends and recommend solutions to improve service delivery

Collaborate with HRIS and Functional SMEs to resolve operations issues

Ensure clear ownership and adherence to defined operational processes

Support organizational change management activities related to new systems, processes, procedures, and operational initiatives

Serve as a subject matter expert on operational workflows, transaction execution, and People Operations processes

Monitor operational metrics, service levels, workload trends, and performance against established goals and service commitments

Conduct quality reviews and audits to ensure transaction accuracy and compliance within the HCM system of record

Prepare and distribute operational reports, dashboards, audit results, and performance outcomes

Drive corrective actions and process improvements based on audit findings and operational trends

Job Qualifications and Competencies:

Strong knowledge of HR operations, employee lifecycle processes, and transaction management

Demonstrated experience building, documenting, and improving operational processes and policy

Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume environment

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to build partnerships across multiple functional teams

Experience managing service levels, quality standards, and operational metrics

Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or another related field

Supervisory or leadership experience within HR Operations, Shared Services, HRIS, or Payroll

Experience with Workday HCM

Experience managing employee lifecycle transactions in a centralized service model

Experience with process improvement methodologies and operational excellence practices

Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills

Experience with case management, knowledge management, or ticketing systems

Work Environment:

Standard office environment, use of computers and other office equipment

Physical Requirements:

Occasional lifting up to 25lbs

The above statements provide a brief description of the general nature of work performed and are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. Duties and expectations are subject to change as needed.

Employment is contingent upon a clear driving record, 10-year Criminal History Records Check, and drug screen as required. We also require proof of high school or GED completion. Minimum 18 years of age.

Benefit package includes paid training, holiday pay, 401(k), vacation, and family travel on the American Airlines network.  Medical and dental available.

Starting Rate:

$50,000.00/Annual Salary - 78,000.00/Annual Salary (Based on locale and experience)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. ​

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer bonuses awarded in accordance with company policies and applicable criteria.