Employee Relations & HR Project Specialist

About the Company

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations & HR Project Specialist to support the Huntington Beach site during a period of transition and increased workload. This role will serve as the primary on‑site HR lead while the HR Manager is out on PTO and will play a key role in driving a corporate Employee Handbook revision project in partnership with an external consulting firm. This position is well‑suited for an HR professional with strong employee relations, compliance, and project management experience, who is comfortable operating independently while collaborating closely with site and corporate leadership. The role will be based full‑time onsite in Huntington Beach and will provide day‑to‑day HR operational oversight, support two junior HR team members, and act as a trusted partner to site and corporate leadership.

About the Role

This role will serve as the primary on‑site HR lead while the HR Manager is out on PTO and will play a key role in driving a corporate Employee Handbook revision project in partnership with an external consulting firm.

Responsibilities

• Site HR & Employee Relations Support
• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for the Huntington Beach location during the HR Manager's absence
• Oversee day‑to‑day HR operations, ensuring consistent and compliant handling of employee relations matters
• Provide guidance on employee relations issues including performance management, investigations, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation
• Support managers and employees with HR questions and concerns, ensuring a professional and consistent employee experience
• Partner with site leadership on workforce issues, compliance matters, and employee engagement topics
• Compliance & Policy Oversight
• Ensure HR practices and employee relations activities align with federal, state (California), and local employment laws
• Review and advise on compliance‑related issues impacting the site
• Serve as a subject matter resource on HR policy interpretation and application
• Employee Handbook Revision Project
• Act as the internal project lead for the corporate Employee Handbook revision initiative
• Partner with an external consulting firm responsible for drafting the handbook content
• Review draft materials for accuracy, compliance, clarity, and alignment with company practices
• Coordinate feedback, revisions, and approvals across HR and leadership stakeholders
• Manage timelines, deliverables, and documentation to ensure the project is completed efficiently and on schedule
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Provide day‑to‑day guidance, support, and prioritization assistance to two junior HR team members
• Ensure consistent execution of HR processes across the site
• Foster effective communication between site leadership and corporate HR partners

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience with a strong focus on employee relations and compliance
• Solid working knowledge of California employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience supporting site‑level HR operations in a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other regulated environment preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage HR projects, coordinate stakeholders, and drive work to completion
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with site leadership
• Ability to operate independently and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Required Skills

• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience with a strong focus on employee relations and compliance
• Solid working knowledge of California employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience supporting site‑level HR operations in a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other regulated environment preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage HR projects, coordinate stakeholders, and drive work to completion
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with site leadership
• Ability to operate independently and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience leading or supporting employee handbook or policy revision projects
• Experience supporting HR leadership coverage or transition periods
• Background partnering with external HR, legal, or compliance consultants

Pay range and compensation package

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.