HR Manager

Reporting to the Vice President of Talent & Organizational Development, the HR Manager oversees the day-to-day human resources operations while ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. This role combines hands-on administration of key HR functions with a strong focus on building positive employee relationships, fostering an inclusive workplace environment, advancing DEI initiatives, and maintaining compliance. 

This position is currently an experienced individual contributor role with the expectation to assume direct reports with future, but currently unplanned, HR hiring.

What You'll Do:

Human Resources Operations & Employee Relations

• Work closely with Accounting team by providing HR inputs into bi-weekly payroll processing 
• Administer employee benefits programs, including:
• Providing ongoing guidance to employees about benefits utilization
• Serving as primary liaison between employees and benefits providers
• Proactively identifying and resolving benefits-related issues
• Guide employees and managers through personnel change processes (promotions, transfers, compensation adjustments), ensuring clear communication and documentation
• Manage annual performance and compensation review cycles; support managers and employees in understanding the process and tools used
• Manage leave of absence administration:
• Counsel employees on leave options and eligibility
• Support managers in planning for leaves and returns
• Maintain supportive communication with employees during leave
• Ensure smooth transitions back to work
• Create and deliver engaging onboarding experiences that effectively integrate new employees and reinforce inclusive culture
• Manage offboarding processes with professionalism and sensitivity
• Design and deliver HR-related reporting (e.g., headcount changes, demographics, pay, benefits, compliance); make recommendations based on this data

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership

• Partner with the VP of T&OD, leadership, management, and team members to develop and implement DEI strategies and initiatives
• Support employee resource group (ERG) formation and provide ongoing support
• Partner with recruiting to support diverse hiring practices
• Develop and revise workplace policies and processes increase diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as reduce bias 
• Actively participate in planning and executing cultural awareness and celebration events (not solely responsible for this)

Compliance & Policy Management

• Maintain and communicate HR policies and procedures in a clear, accessible manner
• Ensure compliance with employment laws 
• Partner with legal counsel on sensitive employment matters
• Prepare and submit required compliance reports 

Employee Advocacy & Support

• Build trusted relationships across all levels of the organization
• Provide coaching to managers on employee relations issues
• Mediate workplace conflicts and facilitate productive resolution discussions
• Identify and address potential employee relations issues proactively
• Gather and act on employee feedback regarding HR programs and policies
• Champion company culture, values, and inclusion through HR programs and interactions
• Create safe spaces for employees to voice concerns and provide feedback

What We Look For:

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with demonstrated success in a variety of HR functions
• Experience developing and implementing DEI initiatives
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, including compliance reporting
• Demonstrated competence working in HRIS and/or  payroll systems
• Proven track record for managing both processes and relationships effectively
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience, in Human Resources or related field
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build trust and rapport across diverse groups
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with diplomacy
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks effectively, even when the unexpected arises
• Identifies need for action and/or improvement and takes initiative without being told
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Cultural competence and demonstrated commitment to DEI principles
• Experience facilitating sensitive conversations and training sessions
• Excellent conflict resolution and mediation abilities
• Demonstrated experience in coaching and advising managers
• Experience balancing employee advocacy with business objectives
• Proficiency in Google suite, Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems; spreadsheet competency is essential