Human Resources Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Bedford Water is seeking a full-time Human Resources Manager to serve as a strategic partner to leadership and oversee all human resources operations. This HR leadership role drives talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, and organizational development to support our mission and values. The position reports directly to the Director of Administration, leading the internal HR team to ensure legal compliance and a positive workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on workforce planning, organizational structure, and talent strategy.
• Develop and implement HR policies, programs, and initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
• Lead and develop the Human Resources team, providing direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Use HR metrics and data analytics to identify trends, inform decision-making, and improve organizational effectiveness.
• Provide guidance to management and employees on employee relations matters, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Conduct and oversee investigations, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes, and provide action recommendations to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations including FMLA, FLSA, EEO, and ADA.
• Identify and mitigate organizational risk related to employment practices and policies.
• Develop and support the execution of recruitment strategies to attract and retain high-quality candidates while promoting a strong employer brand.
• Oversee the full-cycle hiring process including job postings, interviews, onboarding, and orientation.
• Partner with leadership to identify workforce needs and succession planning opportunities.
• Design and implement training and development programs to enhance employee and leadership capabilities.
• Administer and oversee employee compensation and benefits programs, including annual open enrollment.
• Conduct compensation analysis and support salary structure updates and pay bands.
• Ensure benefits programs remain competitive and aligned with organizational needs.
• Manage and optimize HR systems, HRIS, employee records, and reporting processes.
• Ensure accurate and compliant recordkeeping, including personnel and medical files.
• Oversee administration of leave programs, including FMLA and other applicable policies.
• Continuously evaluate and improve HR processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement, positive morale, and retention.
• Support leadership in fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Represent the organization in community and professional settings as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Administration and Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and partner with leadership at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with experience using HRIS platforms.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Additional Information

• This position typically requires working on-site Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with a one hour lunch break.
• The Human Resources Manager has direct supervisory responsibility for all Human Resources department employees.

A Water Authority is a public or quasi-public organization responsible for the management, protection, treatment, and distribution of safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined geographic area. Its primary mission is to ensure reliable access to clean, affordable water while protecting public health and the environment.
Water Authorities plan, operate, and maintain water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs, treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, and sewer systems. They are also responsible for monitoring water quality to meet or exceed federal, state, and local regulatory standards, including environmental and public health requirements.
In addition to daily operations, Water Authorities engage in long-term planning to support population growth, infrastructure sustainability, and climate resilience. They may oversee conservation programs, emergency preparedness, infrastructure upgrades, and customer education initiatives to promote responsible water use.

Company Description

A Water Authority is a public or quasi-public organization responsible for the management, protection, treatment, and distribution of safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined geographic area. Its primary mission is to ensure reliable access to clean, affordable water while protecting public health and the environment.\r\nWater Authorities plan, operate, and maintain water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs, treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, and sewer systems. They are also responsible for monitoring water quality to meet or exceed federal, state, and local regulatory standards, including environmental and public health requirements.\r\nIn addition to daily operations, Water Authorities engage in long-term planning to support population growth, infrastructure sustainability, and climate resilience. They may oversee conservation programs, emergency preparedness, infrastructure upgrades, and customer education initiatives to promote responsible water use.