People Operations Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Corporate Headquarters - Huntington Beach, CA - Huntington Beach, CA 92649Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $70,000.00 - $82,000.00 Salary/yearTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: Human ResourcesAbout Us For nearly 50 years, Teacher Created Materials has made teaching more effective and learning more engaging. We publish PreK–12 instructional programs across all core content areas, along with award-winning educational trade books, professional development resources, and professional learning services. At Teacher Created Materials, we are passionate about creating innovative educational materials that support children wherever learning happens. Our products are created by teachers for teachers and are trusted by educators around the world. The Opportunity We’re looking for a People Operations Specialist who is passionate about creating exceptional employee experiences through operational excellence. Reporting directly to the SVP of Human Resources, you’ll support employees across the U.S., lead HR operations, and help improve the processes that keep our People team running smoothly. In our small HR team, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership, contribute ideas, and grow into a well-rounded HR professional with broad exposure across People Operations. What You’ll Do Serve as a trusted HR resource by providing exceptional support to employees and managers throughout the employee lifecycle. Administer and continuously improve People Operations processes, ensuring they are efficient, accurate, compliant, and employee-focused. Manage employee leave of absence programs, partnering with employees, managers, and vendors to ensure a seamless experience and compliance with applicable laws. Maintain accurate employee records and HR systems while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of employee data. Partner with the Human Resources team to improve processes, implement new initiatives, and enhance the overall employee experience. Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws while supporting audits and HR reporting. Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, and leverage technology to better support employees. Contribute wherever needed within our small HR team, taking ownership of special projects and helping build a best-in-class People Operations function. QualificationsWhat You’ll Bring Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 1–3 years of experience in Human Resources, People Operations, employee services, or HR administration. Highly proficient with business technology, including Microsoft Excel, AI-powered productivity tools, and presentation software, with the ability to quickly learn new platforms and create polished reports, presentations, dashboards, and employee communications. Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. A customer-service mindset with a genuine passion for helping people. Strong judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive employee information. A proactive, solutions-oriented approach with a desire to continuously improve processes rather than simply maintain them. Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new areas of Human Resources. Bonus Points If… You have experience administering employee leave programs such as FMLA, CFRA, ADA accommodations, disability, or paid family leave. You’ve worked with an HRIS such as Paycom or another Human Capital Management platform. You have experience supporting a multi-state workforce. You’re familiar with California employment laws and HR compliance requirements. You’ve helped improve HR processes or implemented workflow efficiencies. You have experience creating reports or analyzing HR data. You hold—or are working toward—a PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar HR certification. What Success Looks Like Become a trusted resource that employees and managers confidently turn to for HR guidance and support. Successfully administer leave of absence programs while providing an exceptional employee experience and maintaining full compliance. Build strong partnerships across the organization through responsiveness, professionalism, and sound judgment. Maintain highly accurate HR data and employee records with exceptional attention to detail. Identify and implement meaningful process improvements that make HR operations more efficient and scalable. Demonstrate ownership by proactively solving problems, anticipating needs, and following through on commitments. Contribute to building a People Operations function that is known for exceptional service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. You become a trusted partner to the Human Resources team by taking ownership of People Operations, allowing the HR team to focus on strategic initiatives while ensuring employees receive outstanding day-to-day support. Why You’ll Love Working Here At Teacher Created Materials, we are passionate about making a meaningful impact in education while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. You’ll join a company that values innovation, continuous improvement, and teamwork—where your ideas and contributions help shape how we support educators and students. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays 401(k) with discretionary employer match Childcare reimbursement support Plus more! Work Environment & Physical Requirements This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and requires regular use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment. The role involves extended periods of sitting, computer work, and participation in meetings. Must be able to communicate effectively with employees, vendors, and stakeholders in person, by phone, and electronically. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. Occasional movement throughout the office, light lifting of materials up to 15 pounds, and limited travel for meetings or events may be required.   Teacher Created Materials (TCM) is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status. This policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action applies to all levels of employment and all employment practices, including compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, educational opportunities, training, and recreational and social activities.