People Operations: Senior Manager

Who we are:

We are on a mission to become a leading supplier of critical materials that enable the green energy and technology revolution. Our materials and technologies are required for the electric vehicle, green energy, consumer electronics, and defense industries, and our battery grade lithium and tech metals are needed for chipsets, semiconductors, and 5G.

We have a substantial interest in the Round Top, Heavy Rare Earth, Lithium and Critical Minerals deposit in West Texas. We have also developed the United States’ first rare earth and critical minerals processing facility and we own the only scalable, sintered neo-magnet manufacturing system in the Western Hemisphere. By developing this fully integrated, US-based “mine-to-magnet” critical mineral supply chain, we are poised to become the leading domestic supplier to these industries.

What you can expect:

At USA Rare Earth, we are pioneers and problem solvers, technologists and team players. Together, we:

Build Solutions: If our task was a simple one, it would already be done. We are creative and solution-oriented, and we think outside the box to solve important problems. We know that a range of expertise and technologies is needed for success, and we work across sectors and alongside customers to deliver world-class solutions in sustainable ways.

Deliver Quality: When we do things, we do them well. We believe that top-tier quality leads to industry competitiveness and we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards. We move fast when executing, but safety, quality, and excellence always come first.

Lead responsibly: We have a responsibility to the planet, our consumers, our country, and each other. We put safety at the center of all we do, take accountability for our actions, incorporate sustainable practices in our processes and act with the financial best interest of our investors and consumers in mind.

Win Together: Establishing a rare earth magnet supply chain is a big undertaking – and getting there is a team effort. We communicate openly, work together and challenge each other in pursuit of our goals. With every step we take we learn and get better.

Position Overview:

As the Senior Manager, People Operations, you will be a strategic and operational leader responsible for designing, deploying, and optimizing HR processes and programs that support our people and business goals. You will oversee core systems (Rippling, ChartHop, and Talent Acquisition tools) and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks including SOX and benefit-related reporting requirements. This role spans the full spectrum of people operations—from payroll and benefits administration to compensation programs, equity plan support, and immigration/visa processes—while also driving data analytics and reporting that enable informed decision-making.

This role is ideal for a systems thinker who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about building solutions that deliver quality, foster responsible leadership, and promote collaboration across teams.

Key Responsibilities:

People Program Design

- Lead the design, documentation, and continuous improvement of people programs including compensation, benefits, data analytics, and workforce planning.

- Drive the annual merit and broad-based compensation cycle and oversee participation in external compensation surveys to ensure market alignment.

Operational Process Management

- Manage end-to-end payroll and benefits administration, including compliance with CHIP Act, Medicare Part D, ACA (1095), PCORI, and 401(k) requirements.

- Oversee 401(k) program administration and partner on equity plan operations.

- Ensure seamless execution of onboarding, hiring, and terminations in alignment with business needs.

Scalable Solutions & Optimization

- Develop and implement scalable methodologies, systems, and tools (Rippling, ChartHop, ATS) to streamline people operations and enhance efficiency across the employee lifecycle.

- Continuously evaluate processes to ensure compliance, cost-effectiveness, and operational excellence.

Employee Data Governance

- Oversee data integrity, security, and governance across HR systems.

- Leverage analytics and dashboards to generate insights for workforce planning, compliance audits, and executive reporting.

Compliance & Reporting

- Own benefit compliance, annual filings, and audit readiness across HR functions.

- Ensure SOX compliance in partnership with Finance and internal audit.

Vendor & Contract Management

- Evaluate, select, and manage external vendors across payroll, benefits, and HR technology to ensure service quality and alignment with business objectives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (required).

- 7+ years of progressive experience in HR operations or related functions.

- Proven experience in process design, systems implementation, and vendor management.

- Strong understanding of HRIS systems (Rippling, ChartHop, ATS), data privacy regulations, SOX, and compliance frameworks.

- Excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills.

Physical Demands

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

- Ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies up to 20 pounds.

- Visual acuity to read and produce reports, spreadsheets, and presentations.

- Ability to communicate effectively in person and via digital platforms.

- May require occasional travel to company locations or vendor meetings.

Work Environment:

The work environment will be an office environment, with occasional travel to USARE locations including manufacturing plants and laboratory settings. Noise level: Normal office noises

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required of personnel so classified.

USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities

USA Rare Earth's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations according to applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

For assistance applying for employment through this site due to disability, please contact People & Culture, people@usare.com, to discuss reasonable accommodations.