People Operations Specialist

Title: People Operations Specialist

Location: Onsite - Chicago, IL

Duration: 12 months, with potential for extension based on performance and business needs

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Workforce Planning/People Operations Specialist to support day-to-day headcount operations, position management, hiring request workflows, and organizational data management. This is a highly operational and execution-focused role that requires strong attention to detail, comfort managing large volumes of data, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing HR or workforce-related databases and systems, tracking and maintaining accurate data, supporting operational workflows, and creating clear process documentation and SOPs. In addition to business-as-usual responsibilities, this individual will support operational improvement projects involving tracking tools, reporting, automation, and process optimization.

Headcount & Position Management

• Support the release and return of open positions from reserve to business teams and maintain accurate tracking of these movements.
• Manage updates related to departmental headcount reserves within the workforce management system.
• Pull and analyze organizational data exports as needed.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to help resolve roadblocks impacting open positions.
• Manage and review queues of organizational change requests.
• Ensure accurate position attributes and data across systems.

Hiring Request Workflow Management

• Assign workflows to incoming hiring requests.
• Monitor requests as they progress through approval queues.
• Follow up on outstanding requests and help ensure timely completion.
• Close completed tickets and maintain accurate workflow records.

Operational Projects & Process Improvement

• Own and improve the headcount release tracker.
• Explore opportunities for integrations and automation to improve tracking processes.
• Develop, maintain, and improve operational metrics and reporting.
• Support team operations and process improvement initiatives.
• Capture, document, and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational process documentation in partnership with the team.
• Apply strong project management skills to manage timelines, priorities, deliverables, and accountability.

Success in this role will be measured by accuracy, organization, responsiveness, and turnaround time. A key expectation will be ensuring that approved positions are released to hiring managers quickly, with a target turnaround time of within 24 hours when activation is required.

• 2-5 years of experience in operations, people operations, workforce planning, HR operations, program coordination, or a similar field.
• Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Experience managing and maintaining large volumes of data with a high level of accuracy.
• Strong operational and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple workflows and priorities.
• Project management experience, including managing timelines, deliverables, and accountability.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and help resolve operational roadblocks.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a focus on business-as-usual operations and process execution.

• Experience with HR databases or workforce management systems.
• Experience with Workday.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with file management and document version control.
• Experience improving operational processes, trackers, reporting, or workflows.
• Experience creating SOPs, process documentation, or operational playbooks.