Who We Are:
Bennett & Pless is a growing Structural Engineering Consulting firm with a 60-year track record of being one of the leading firms in the Southeast in the niche markets we practice. We have been nominated 6 consecutive years in a row as a best firm to work for and have offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Dallas, Knoxville, Loudoun, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, and Sarasota. Our projects range in scope from simple site inspections to the design of a new facility, and we work at each stage – feasibility studies, conceptual design, detailed design, and construction administration. Together, our 10 offices have created an energized engineering powerhouse offering enhanced capabilities to our ever-growing client base.
What You Will Do:
We’re looking for a Sr. HR Operations Analyst to join our team and take ownership of core HR operations. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys improving systems, simplifying processes, and using data to make things work more efficiently.
You’ll play a key role in strengthening how we deliver HR programs and support employees across the full lifecycle - from onboarding through offboarding.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Core HR Operations
- Lead day-to-day HR operations across benefits, compliance, and the full employee lifecycle.
- Serve as the primary contact for team members on HR processes, policies, and programs.
- Manage benefits administration and vendor partnerships to resolve issues and improve delivery.
- Oversee leave of absence processes and provide guidance to team members and managers.
- Manage time-off programs and maintain accurate HR system records.
- Build strong relationships with team members and managers as a trusted HR resource.
- Support routine employee relations needs, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
- Oversee offboarding, including exit interviews, documentation, and transitions.
HR Systems Administration & Compliance
- Maintain and optimize HR systems to ensure accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality.
- Own HR reporting and metrics, providing insights to support business decisions.
- Manage immigration processes in partnership with external counsel.
- Monitor employment law changes and ensure ongoing compliance.
- Lead required reporting and audits (EEO-1, 5500, 401(k)).
Process & Policy Management
- Drive efficient, scalable, and compliant HR processes across the organization.
- Evaluate and improve processes to reduce manual work and enhance experience.
- Leverage technology, automation, and AI to improve service delivery.
- Develop and maintain HR policies, workflows, and resources.
- Keep the Employee Guidebook current, clear, and consistent.
HR Programs & Initiatives Support
- Partner with HR leadership to execute key programs and initiatives.
- Manage compensation and bonus processes, including systems, data, and reporting.
- Support performance management processes and consistency across teams.
- Own the annual growth planning process.
- Lead engagement efforts, including surveys and follow-up actions.
- Manage HR projects and system enhancements from planning through implementation.
What We Are Looking For:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:
- Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience with strong exposure to core HR operations, including benefits administration, compliance, HR systems, and employee lifecycle management.
- Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with accuracy, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
- Strong understanding of employment laws and HR compliance practices.
- Proficiency in HRIS systems and reporting; skilled in using data and technology to drive efficiency and process improvements. Experience with
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis).
- Demonstrated interest in leveraging AI and emerging technologies to enhance HR operations; experience with Microsoft Copilot is a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong communicator who builds trusted relationships across teams.
- Applies sound judgment, maintains confidentiality, and escalates when needed.
- Aligns HR practices with business goals.
- Service-oriented, approachable, and professional.
- Tech-savvy and comfortable using data and systems to improve efficiency.
- Analytical thinker who uses data to inform decisions.
- Detail-oriented and adaptable in evolving environments.
- Curious, proactive, and continuous improvement focused.
- Takes initiative and partners effectively across teams.
- Flexible and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer:
At Bennett & Pless, our vision is to be a place where employees thrive. We are a growing firm committed to empowering employees without sacrificing work/life balance. Our culture is the center of making us who we are, and it is our priority to make employees feel accepted and valued.
As a firm, we are highly supportive of the development of our employees. Every year, we kick off Career Development Planning where employees create tailored development goals. Goals are regularly assessed throughout the year to allow employees to advance towards their career growth objectives.
We have an employee-focused benefits package that includes:
- Company-paid medical, dental and vision coverage for the employee
- Health savings and flex spending accounts
- Group short-term & long-term disability; life and a&d insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement program
- 401(k) matching
- Monthly wellbeing allowance
- Paid time off & paid holidays
- Flexible schedules, including summer hours
- Company retreat
If you are interested in a place where you can thrive and make a career at Bennett & Pless, come join our unique culture!
Bennett & Pless is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.