HR & Business Operations Manager

**Company Description

Harken Research is an ISO17025 accredited testing laboratory located in the Los Angeles area with two core business units: consumer product testing and pharmaceutical contract research. Within the consumer product testing unit dietary supplements, food, and cosmetics are the focus – with additional testing services catering to other industries. Our strengths are our ability to offer customized testing and problem solving to address client needs; excellent customer service; and quick turnaround times.

Summary

Harken Research is seeking a highly capable and proactive HR \& Business Operations Manager to take ownership of human resources, administrative operations, and core accounting support functions within our growing laboratory.

This is a critical, high-impact role responsible for bringing structure, consistency, and accountability to internal processes. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted HR partner to leadership, helping navigate employee performance, disciplinary matters, and communication, while also ensuring smooth day-to-day business operations.

Duties

Human Resources \& Employee Relations

• Manage full-cycle recruiting coordination:

• Post job openings, screen candidates, and conduct first-round interviews for all roles

• Prepare candidate summaries, notes, and hiring recommendations for management

• Coordinate and attend on-site interviews

• Partner with leadership to address employee performance and behavioral issues

• Prepare and maintain clear, compliant documentation for underperformance, warnings, and terminations

• Attend employee review and disciplinary meetings to:

• Structure conversations and keep discussions focused and professional

• De-escalate tension and guide effective communication

• Ensure managers communicate effectively and appropriately

• Advise management on best practices for employee communication, performance management, and conflict resolution

• Coordinate onboarding, including all new hire paperwork and orientation

• Administer employee benefits and maintain HR records

• Process payroll and ensure accuracy

• Enforce company policies (e.g., break/lunch compliance) and ensure consistency

• Train employees on core policies and procedures

• Maintain an open-door policy to address employee concerns

• Issue employee badges and manage access-related documentation

• Recommend and implement improvements to HR policies, forms, and the employee handbook

Accounting, Billing \& Financial Coordination

• Assist with invoicing and billing processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness

• Review vendor invoices, resolve discrepancies, and process payments

• Perform collections outreach (calls and emails) to ensure timely client payments

• Coordinate with the company’s external CPA/accounting firm

• Help ensure taxes and other financial obligations are paid on time

• Maintain organized financial records and documentation

• Support additional accounting and financial processes as needed

Business Operations \& Office Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for facility-related issues

• Coordinate contractors for building maintenance, repairs, and security needs

• Communicate with landlord regarding building and facility issues

• Oversee janitorial services and ensure quality of work

• Maintain organized records (physical and digital), including scanning and filing

• Manage compliance-related renewals (business licenses, insurance, waste disposal permits)

• Coordinate visits from clients, vendors, and service providers

Purchasing \& Vendor Management

• Order laboratory and office supplies

• Compare pricing across vendors to optimize cost and quality

• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships

• Track orders and follow up on deliveries and backorders

• Address and resolve vendor issues proactively

Qualifications

• 5\+ years of experience in HR, operations, or administrative leadership roles (multi-functional roles strongly preferred)

• Demonstrated experience handling employee relations, performance management, and disciplinary processes

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism

• Experience supporting accounting, billing, or financial coordination functions

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with HR/payroll/accounting systems is a plus

• Experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or regulated environment is a plus

Key Traits for Success

• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to navigate difficult conversations professionally

• Confident communicator who can guide and redirect conversations in real time

• Highly dependable with excellent follow-through and attention to detail

• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset

• Ability to operate independently while supporting leadership

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Compensation \& Benefits

• $85,000 – $110,000/year (depending on experience)

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid holidays and PTO

• 401k with company match

• Opportunity for advancement

To Apply

Please include your resume and cover letter.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000\.00 - $110,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance**