Senior Manager, HR Operations & Systems

Company Overview

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.

About The Role

We are looking for a Senior Manager, HR Operations & Systems to lead the execution of major People systems initiatives, with initial focus on Workday HRIS implementation, benefits operations scaling, and payroll integration. You will manage a small team of 2–3 HR operations professionals, translate strategic People vision into operational execution, and ensure smooth operations across core HR technology and processes. This role is both hands-on executor and team leader, driving complex systems implementations while keeping day-to-day operations running.

What You’ll Do

• Own the Workday HRIS implementation end-to-end: requirements gathering, configuration management, UAT coordination, data migration, go-live execution, end-user training, and post-launch optimization.

• Scale benefits operations: manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations, oversee open enrollment execution and employee communications, and ensure ACA, ERISA, and COBRA compliance.

• Partner with Finance on HRIS-payroll system integration; standardize payroll processes and compliance across multiple jurisdictions; maintain payroll data integrity in the HRIS.

• Build and lead a team of 2–3 HR operations professionals; provide direction, coaching, and performance management; delegate projects aligned with team member development.

• Oversee integrations between HRIS, ATS, equity platforms, and Finance; establish and maintain documentation standards, audit readiness, and HR data integrity across all systems.

What You’ll Need

• 8–12+ years of HR Operations experience with progressive management responsibility.

• Hands-on experience with HRIS implementation or major system migration using Workday, SuccessFactors, Rippling, or equivalent.

• Team leadership experience managing 2–5 person HR operations teams.

• Benefits administration expertise covering ACA, ERISA, COBRA, and open enrollment; project management skills for complex, multi-stakeholder systems implementations.

• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort managing ambiguity in a fast-moving environment.

You’ll Stand Out

• Workday HRIS implementation experience.

• Payroll systems and multi-jurisdiction compliance experience using platforms such as ADP or Paychex.

• Experience scaling HR operations in a high-growth company.

• Background in a hardware startup, manufacturing, or technology company environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• ACS Equity Package

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits 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 expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #LI-AS1