Employee Relations & HR Project Specialist

Position Overview 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 onsite 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. Key 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 practicesCoordinate 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 Required 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 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 EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer 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 federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr