People Operations Manager
Tacoma, WA - USA
Job Summary
JOIN US AND BUILD A WORKPLACE WHERE PEOPLE AND TEAMS THRIVE
At Sprague we believe great companies are built by great people. As we continue to grow across multiple states and markets were looking for a People Operations Manager who is passionate about creating programs systems and experiences that help employees achieve their highest potential while enabling the business to scale successfully
Why This Role Matters
Sprague is growing. Growth creates opportunitybut it also creates complexity.
Were looking for someone who can help us build the next generation of People Operations practices by:
- Creating employee experiences that strengthen engagement development and retention
- Ensuring compliance across multiple states and jurisdictions
- Scaling people programs processes and leadership capabilities as the organization grows
- Coaching managers through challenging employee relations situations while protecting culture and accountability
- Leveraging technology and automation to create consistency efficiency and exceptional employee experiences
- Developing people systems that support career growthnot just policy administration
You will partner closely with leaders across the organization to ensure our people practices support both our employees and our business objectives.
What Success Looks Like
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building improving and owning core People Operations processesnot just overseeing them. As People Operations Manager you will personally lead and execute key programs across recruiting onboarding employee relations performance management compensation benefits leave administration payroll compliance and HR systems while also developing and guiding a high-performing team.
Success in this role means rolling up your sleeves to solve problems streamline processes improve employee and manager experiences and leverage technology to scale our people practices. Youll serve as a trusted partner to leaders strengthen compliance across multiple states and build programs that support employee growth while helping Sprague continue to grow successfully.
Why Sprague
Our Mission
The world deserves safer food and to live and work in healthier environments. This has been Sprague Pest Solutions mission for a full century a mission we strongly believe in and take great pride in fulfilling.
Family-Driven
Family businesses are the backbone of business communities in the regions Sprague Pest Solutions serves and nationwide. As Sprague Pest Solutions celebrates a century-long commitment to protecting businesses from pests it also marks its fourth generation of ownership under the Treleven family.
The values and guiding principles established by four generations are on display every day in our interactions with clients and team members. They set the benchmarks on which Sprague is measured and how we measure ourselves. Our team takes immense pride in our steadfast commitment to innovation and fostering a culture of diversity inclusivity and respect.
W. B. Sprague Company Inc. reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory motor vehicle record report that is checked annually.
Sprague Pest Solutions is an Equal Opportunity employer and promotes diversity through a culture of inclusion and opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We are a drug and smoke-free environment. In compliance with federal law all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
What Youll Bring
- 7 years of progressive Human Resources or People Operations experience
- 3 years leading and developing people
- Strong employee relations and manager coaching experience
- Multi-state employment law and leave administration expertise
- Experience scaling people programs in a growing organization
- Strong communication influence and relationship-building skills
- Experience with HRIS payroll benefits and workforce systems
- Experience with UKG Ready or advanced HRIS implementations preferred
- Bachelors degree and/or relevant HR certifications preferred
Pre-Hire Screening Requirements:
- Criminal Background Check: Federal State County
- 5 years Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record
- Employment & Education Verification
- 5-panel Drug Screen in accordance with state regulations
Detailed Job Description
Position Title: People Operations Manager
Reports To: Director of People Operations
Travel: 0-10%
FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt
EEOC Class: Manager
Last updated: 07/07/2026
Salary: $85000 (DOE)
Position Summary: The primary responsibility for this position is to advise employees and leaders on policies and procedures related to employment at Sprague. The People Operations Manager will oversee activities related to the entire employee lifecycle from talent acquisition to hiring and onboarding training payroll benefits performance advancement disciplinary actions and terminations. The People Operations Manager will administer programs that support Spragues business objectives mission and values. The People Operations Manager will assist the Director of People Operations by advising on talent engagement and personnel management strategies that enable Sprague to scale effectively while promoting a diverse and inclusive culture.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Recruiting & Onboarding
- Plan direct supervise and coordinate work of team members and cross-functional teams supporting hiring onboarding and people operations activities
- Develop and maintain job descriptions and pay bands for each role ensuring compliance with FSLA guidelines
- Employee Relations & Retention
- Serve as a link between managers and employees by answering questions advising on personnel management concerns and helping to resolve problems
- Evaluate and enhance employee engagement programs to drive performance and prevent turnover
- Manage employee terminations off-boarding and exit interviews
Payroll Processing
- Oversee payroll ensuring accuracy and timeliness in timecard reporting payroll calculations deductions adjustments and dispute resolution
Compensation Benefits & Leave Administration
- Analyze advise and report on compensation and benefits programs and budgets ensuring compliance with ACA federal and state regulations
- Regularly assess market rates by role advising leaders on starting wages performance and tenure increases according to scheduled evaluation cycles
- Administer compensation benefits and performance management systems
- Coordinate benefits open enrollment providing guidance and assistance to employees as appropriate
Jurisdictional Compliance
- Evaluates employment and management practices to ensure compliance with federal state and local regulations tracking and reporting statistical data with accuracy and timeliness
- Interpret and implement policies communicating changes and enforcement practices to employees and all levels of leadership
Safety & Incident Management
- Support Safety Manager in the administration of Workers Comp safety and general liability programs including investigating reporting on and managing and claims
- Foster commitment to safety-forward practices and performance management for all roles and levels of leadership
- Communicate standards and data related to safety and liability to senior and frontline management levels
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of people operations principles related to talent acquisition employee engagement performance management labor relations and personnel information systems
- Knowledge of business management principles involved in budgeting strategic planning and resource allocation
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret laws policies and regulations related to employment contracts compensation benefits programs labor and employee relations safety and working conditions performance management terminations and records retention
- Ability to analyze interpret and present statistical data from internal and external sources
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with peers team members and leaders at all levels
- Ability to recognize indicators of performance in systems and behaviors and recommend actions to improve or correct performance
- Ability to manage time and priorities for self and others
- Ability to navigate conflict settle disputes resolve grievances and facilitate solutions that support the organizations business objectives and values
- Proficiency in computer software and systems including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Word Excel Outlook) ATS HRIS Payroll and Benefits Programs
Education and/or Experience:
- 7 years experience in People Operations / Human Resources
- 3 years experience in managing people
- Bachelors degree and/or equivalent People Operations certifications or licenses
Environment and Physical Demands
- Constantly sitting at a desk to operate a computer telephone and other office equipment
- Constantly communicating with internal and external customers by telephone in-person and over email
- Frequently walking and/or stooping to access files equipment and supplies
- Occasionally lifting up to 50lbs
- Social distancing practices include mandatory use of masks in proximity of others in the office
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
We passionately deliver uncompromising service. Sprague’s highly trained and dedicated team is driven to do its part to provide the world with the safe food and healthy living and work it deserves.