Human Resources Manager

Job Description:

About Us

Passion, dedication and perseverance have been the guiding principles of The Hess Collection since Donald Hess founded the winery in 1978. As fifth generation Hess Family, we continue to define the spirit behind the wines. We proudly continue Donald’s legacy, carrying on tradition and his commitment to craft world-renowned wines from the Napa Valley while introducing wines that speak to our vision for the future.

Join a close-knit team in the heart of Napa Valley where your work directly shapes the employee experience across the winery — from the vineyard to the visitor center. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, wine industry perks, and the opportunity to grow with a family-owned company that values its people.

Position Summary

The Human Resources Manager is a hands-on HR leader who manages the day-to-day human resources function in partnership with the Director of Human Resources. This role owns employee relations, full-cycle recruiting, benefits and leave administration, safety and workers’ compensation programs, and HR compliance — serving as a trusted resource for employees and a strategic partner to managers across the winery. The ideal candidate combines strong California employment law knowledge with a service-first mindset and the ability to build trust at every level of a bilingual workforce.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Talent Acquisition: Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly, salaried, temporary, and harvest positions — sourcing, interviewing, offers, and a best-in-class onboarding experience.

• Benefits & Leaves: Administer leaves of absence (FMLA/CFRA/PDL) and partner with managers on ADA accommodations; administer benefits including enrollment, claims resolution, invoice reconciliation, and the annual Open Enrollment and Health Fair.

• Payroll & HRIS: Support and serve as back-up for bi-weekly payroll processing; maintain HRIS data integrity and produce reporting and analytics for leadership.

• Safety & Workers’ Comp: Lead the safety committee, manage monthly safety inspections, administer the workers’ compensation program, and maintain safety procedures aligned with Cal/OSHA standards.

• Culture & Engagement: Manage employee recognition, wellness, and engagement programs.

• Employee Relations: Serve as point of contact for employee relations; conduct investigations, coach managers, and resolve workplace concerns with fairness, discretion, and consistency.

• Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, California, and local employment law, including wage & hour, required postings and notices, and mandated harassment-prevention training (SB 1343); maintain employee documentation, including work authorization, to legal standards.

• Performance & Policy: Support performance management, policy development, and handbook updates in partnership with the Director of Human Resources.

Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish required (speaking, reading, and writing).

• 5+ years of progressive human resources experience, including 2+ years in a generalist or leadership capacity.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• Strong working knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance.

• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.

• Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

• Valid CA driver’s license and ability to be insured through company policy.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position works primarily in an office environment and is regularly required to sit for extended periods; frequently required to walk, reach, and grasp objects; and occasionally required to lift up to 40 pounds, kneel, and climb stairs.

Equal Opportunity & Pay Transparency

The Hess Collection Winery is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In compliance with California pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this position is $90,000 – $110,000 annually; actual compensation is based on experience and qualifications.

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