Human Resources Manager

Human Resources ManagerAbout the Team You Will JoinAt the City of Los Altos, we believe our people are our greatest asset and the foundation of exceptional public service.Our Human Resources team is committed to creating an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing workplace where employees are empowered to do their best work and grow throughout their careers. We are passionate about developing people, fostering meaningful workplace connections, supporting employee well-being, and cultivating a culture built on trust, collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.The Human Resources Department serves as a strategic business partner to City leadership and provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that support the entire employee lifecycle, including:Employee & Labor RelationsBenefits & Leave AdministrationRecruitment & SelectionTalent Development & Organizational DevelopmentPayroll AdministrationRisk Management & Workers' CompensationEmployee Engagement, Recognition & WellnessOur team partners closely with departments throughout the organization to attract, develop, engage, and retain a high-performing workforce while ensuring compliance, innovation, and exceptional customer service.Your Impact as Human Resources ManagerAre you ready to help shape the future of public sector HR?As the Human Resources Manager, you'll be the Human Resources Director's strategic partner and a key member of the City's management team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, elevate employee engagement, and modernize HR practices through AI across the organization.You'll oversee a diverse portfolio of HR functions, including employee relations, recruitment and selection, talent development, benefits and leaves, employee engagement, and workforce planning. No two days are the same. One day you may be coaching leaders through a complex employee relations issue, and the next you could be launching a new performance management program, improving recruitment strategies, or implementing innovative HR AI technology.A major focus of this role will be leading the Citywide implementation of NEOGOV's Perform and Learn platforms, helping create a modern, competency-based approach to performance management, learning, and professional development. You'll also spearhead the launch of a new employee orientation and City tour program designed to strengthen onboarding, build connections across departments, and reinforce the City's culture and values from day one.Working alongside a team of Human Resources professionals, department leaders, and executive leadership, you'll help design and implement workforce strategies that support employee growth, and foster a high-performing, people-first organization.If you're energized by building programs, leading change, developing people, and making a lasting impact, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.Examples of DutiesKey ResponsibilitiesHR Leadership & Business PartnershipTeam Leadership & Program OversightRecruitment & Talent AcquisitionPerformance Management & Organizational DevelopmentLearning, Leadership Development & Employee GrowthEmployee Engagement & Organizational CultureEmployee & Labor RelationsHR Operations and TechnologyThe Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, and innovative HR leader who combines strong technical expertise with exceptional interpersonal skills. They are equally comfortable advising executives on complex workforce challenges, coaching managers through sensitive employee relations matters, and leading organizational initiatives that drive long-term success.Successful candidates will demonstrate:Experience leading multiple HR disciplines in a complex organization.Strong business acumen and the ability to align HR strategies with organizational objectives.Expertise in organizational development, talent management, workforce planning, workplace conflict and employee engagement.Experience implementing competency-based HR systems, performance management frameworks, and leadership development programs.Strong employee relations and conflict management expertise, preferably within a unionized environment.Experience leading organizational change and driving innovation through technology and process improvement.Excellent communication, facilitation, coaching, and relationship-building skills.A commitment to public service, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer experience.The ability to lead through change while fostering trust, accountability, and collaboration.Minimum QualificationsEducation & ExperienceEquivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human resources, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Master's degree in a related field is highly desirable.Six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional human resources administration experience including two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience. Public sector experience is strongly preferred.Licenses and CertificationsPossession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.Professional certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP is highly desirable.Supplemental InformationThis recruitment may be used to fill future management-level positions within the Human Resources Department. Applicants with a range of leadership experience are encouraged to apply.This position offers an exceptional opportunity to help shape the future of human resources for the City of Los Altos while contributing to an organization committed to excellence in public service, employee development, and organizational innovation.PHYSICAL DEMANDSMust possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONSEmployees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.WORKING CONDITIONSAttend and participate in weekend or evening meetings and events as assigned.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person's race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERThe above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.