People Operations Specialist

Memphis Grizzlies is hiring a People Operations Specialist to serve as the operational engine of the People & Culture function by ensuring people processes, systems, benefits, and data are accurate, compliant, and scalable. The role owns people operations infrastructure and partners with leadership, IT, Payroll, Finance, and department leaders to improve the employee and manager experience through seamless workflows and reliable workforce insights.

• Develop, document, and standardize People & Culture processes to ensure clarity, consistency, and scalability.
• Design and manage workflows for onboarding, offboarding, job changes, promotions, and performance cycles.
• Maintain accurate, secure, and compliant employee records across the full employee lifecycle.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, employment regulations, and data privacy standards.
• Support internal and external audits and compliance reviews.
• Administer employee benefits programs (enrollments, qualifying life events, terminations, eligibility audits).
• Lead open enrollment planning, communications, system testing, and execution.
• Reconcile benefit invoices and ensure alignment between vendors and payroll.
• Serve as a resource for employee benefits questions and issue resolution; partner with brokers and vendors on renewals and plan updates.
• Serve as primary administrator for HRIS, ATS, performance management, and background screening platforms.
• Configure workflows, permissions, system fields, and integrations in partnership with IT; maintain data integrity across systems.
• Provide day-to-day system support, troubleshoot user issues, and coordinate system upgrades/enhancements/implementations/vendor transitions.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement automation or workflow improvements; evaluate system usage and recommend adoption enhancements.
• Support change management with communication and training during system/process updates; develop internal documentation and user guides.
• Develop and maintain recurring workforce dashboards and leadership metrics; generate ad hoc reports (headcount, turnover, recruiting, compensation, performance, benefits).
• Analyze trends and provide actionable insights for workforce planning and budgeting; maintain governance practices for reporting accuracy.
• Manage trackers and project plans for People & Culture initiatives; support the VP, People & Culture with priorities, communications, and follow-through.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• 3–5 years of experience in people operations, HRIS administration, benefits administration, or related roles (fast-paced or lean environment).

• Hands-on ownership of HR systems (e.g., UKG, iCIMS, Trakstar, Crosschq, Workday, ADP, or similar) beyond end-user experience.

• Experience independently administering benefits programs, including open enrollment and vendor coordination.

• Strong experience managing employee lifecycle processes with accuracy and compliance.

• Ability to build, document, and improve operational workflows.

• Experience generating workforce reports and translating data into actionable leadership insights.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data organization).

• Preferred: experience implementing system improvements, integrations, or automation initiatives.

• Ability to operate with minimal oversight while managing multiple priorities.

• Nice to have: knowledge/passion for NBA and NCAA basketball; experience in sports/entertainment venue, arena, or large-scale public event setting.

• Competitive salary (amount not specified).

• Health and wellness benefits: industry-leading health coverage, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, wellness programs through EAP and Headspace.

• Financial and perks: matching 401(k), tuition reimbursement, team store discounts, happy hours and activities, qualified parking and game night meals, NBA-sponsored discount programs, employee referral bonuses, employee recognition programs.

• Time off: generous paid time off, holiday pay, paid parental leave.

• Equal opportunity employer.