Sr. Manager, People Operations

Position: Sr. Manager, People Operations

Reports to: Sr. Director, People Operations 

Location: White Plains, NY (Hybrid)

ABOUT THE UFL

The United Football League (UFL) is the premier professional spring football league, powered by the visionary leadership and investment of Mike Repole and Impact Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and ESPN. Built on innovation, accessibility, and competitive excellence, the UFL delivers a dynamic professional football experience for players, fans, and partners alike. The league currently features eight teams and is focused on building the next era of spring football, with expansion planned for 2028 and beyond.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Championship Culture Starts Here. This is more than a People Operations role—it’s an opportunity to help shape the culture, talent strategy, and employee experience of a growing professional football league. The Sr. Manager, People Operations leads the day-to-day execution of People Operations programs and services across the league. This position oversees benefits administration, HR operations, compliance, HR systems, employee lifecycle processes while ensuring an exceptional employee experience.

The ideal candidate brings strong operational expertise and a service-oriented mindset that enables employees and the organization to perform at their best.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

People Operations & HR Service Delivery

• With guidance from the Sr. Director, People Operations, lead the day-to-day administration of People Operations programs and services, ensuring consistent, responsive, and high-quality support across the league.

• Partner with the Sr. Director, People Operations to implement strategic HR initiatives and operational priorities.

• Support Sr. Directors with compensation, benefits, and rewards programs to ensure competitiveness and alignment with organizational goals.

• Assist the Director, Talent Acquisition with full-cycle recruitment efforts across league office and team operations, including sourcing, interviewing, selection, and onboarding.

• Develop, document, and continuously improve People Operations processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures to support organizational growth.

• Oversee employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, offboarding, employee records management, and employment changes.

• Ensure the accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of employee data and personnel records.

Benefits Administration

• In partnership with the UFL’s benefits service team and Sr. Directors administer the league's health, wellness, retirement, and leave programs, serving as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators.

• Work closely with Sr. Director, Payroll to manage Paid Time Off, FMLA, and leaves, including Short Term and Long-Term Disability.

• Lead the annual open enrollment process, including planning, employee communications, enrollment support, and post-enrollment reconciliation.

• Monitor benefits utilization, vendor performance, and compliance, providing recommendations for operational improvements to the Senior Director.

• Assist Sr. Director and Head of People Operations with annual reporting, including 1095-C compliance data processes.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Administer compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including I-9, E-Verify, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable requirements.

• Maintain HR policies, forms, and documentation to ensure compliance with legal and organizational standards.

• Support audits, reporting requirements, and regulatory filings by maintaining complete and accurate records.

• Escalate complex compliance or employee relations matters to the Senior Director as appropriate.

• Contribute to development and implementation of internal policies, procedures, and operational best practices.

• Conduct internal audits and HR compliance reviews to identify areas of improvement and ensure organizational readiness.

Employee Experience & Employee Relations

• Support initiatives that promote employee engagement, recognition, wellness, and an inclusive workplace culture.

• Serve as a trusted resource to employees and managers by providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, and routine employee relations matters.

• Partner with the Sr. Director on employee relations issues, workplace investigations, accommodations, and performance management processes.

• Coordinate employee communications related to People Operations programs and initiatives.

• Partner with Sr. Director, People Operations to facilitate player onboarding, orientation, transition, and offboarding programs.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

The qualifications listed below represent the credentials necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field required.

• 5-7 years' experience in human resources or related functions with progressive responsibilities.

• Prior experience in professional sports, collegiate athletics, entertainment, or fast-paced operational environments preferred.

• Strong knowledge of HR operations, compliance, talent acquisition and employee engagement practices.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS systems, and workplace collaboration tools.

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and operational decision-making capabilities.

• Proficient with Google-based workspaces, payroll software such as ADP, and HRIS platforms.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS 

• This role works in a hybrid environment, with an expectation of in-office collaboration 2-3 days per week. 

• Minimal Travel (5-10% travel). 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights and holidays required

• Position may require periods of sitting at a desk, frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Other duties as assigned by Sr. Director, People Operations.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $115,000. This role is eligible for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life insurance, a 401(k) plan, unlimited PTO and offers a discretionary bonus. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The UFL maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment.  It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.  Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations.