Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Manager

SBI-WY, LLC is seeking an experienced, hands-on HR Manager to serve as the sole owner of the HR function for a multi-state workforce of 300+ employees. This is a standalone leadership role, fully accountable for the full scope of HR strategy and execution — compliance, employee relations, talent processes, benefits, and HR infrastructure. The HR Manager will act as the primary HR authority for leadership and field operations, driving compliance, consistency, and a strong employee experience across all locations. This position should have previously operated as the sole or senior-most HR leader within an organization, not simply as a member or support function of a larger HR team.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in California employment law, has demonstrated the ability to independently run an HR department end-to-end, and is equally comfortable operating at both a strategic and tactical level. This individual will partner closely with executive leadership and salon managers to guide people decisions, mitigate risk, and build scalable HR processes that support organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Strategy

• Own the HR function end-to-end, with full accountability for outcomes across compliance, employee relations, talent, benefits, and systems

• Serve as the primary advisor to the President/Owner on people strategy, organizational risk, and key HR decisions

• Build and continuously improve scalable HR infrastructure, policies, and processes to support organizational growth

• Directly manage relationships and performance of HR-related vendors, including the payroll provider, benefits brokers, and outside legal counsel

Wage & Hour Compliance

• Provide subject matter expertise on California wage and hour laws, including meal/rest break compliance, daily and weekly overtime, split shifts, and premium pay requirements

• Partner with third-party payroll providers to audit payroll, pay practices, and wage statements for compliance (including local ordinances such as West Hollywood)

• Identify and proactively mitigate compliance risks, including potential exposure to waiting time penalties and PAGA claims

• Ensure HR practices comply with federal, state, and local employment regulations

Employee Relations & Workplace Investigations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues across salon locations

• Conduct prompt, thorough, and well-documented investigations into employee complaints, including harassment, discrimination, and policy violations

• Coach managers on appropriate employee relations handling and performance management practices

• Maintain accurate documentation to support fair and compliant resolution of workplace issues

Leave of Absence & Workers' Compensation Administration

• Administer all leave programs, including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and other applicable state/local leaves

• Manage workers' compensation cases in partnership with brokers, adjusters, and legal counsel

• Ensure timely and compliant documentation, communication, and tracking of all leave and return-to-work processes

Talent Acquisition & Employee Lifecycle

• Support end-to-end recruitment processes, including maintaining job descriptions, job postings, screening, interviewing, and offer coordination

• Partner with managers to define hiring needs, prioritize roles, and ensure timely hiring

• Oversee and standardize onboarding processes within Paylocity, ensuring compliance with all new hire notice requirements

• Manage offboarding processes, including involuntary separations, final pay compliance, and distribution of required separation documentation

HR Systems, Benefits & Reporting

• Maintain and audit employee data within Paylocity to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance

• Manage end-to-end employee benefits administration, including annual open enrollment, new hire enrollments, life event changes, vendor coordination, and employee support for health, dental, vision, retirement, and ancillary benefit programs

• Conduct audits and review of compensation, job classifications, and HR data

• Support all HR-related audits, including 401(k)

Policy Implementation & Training

• Support the rollout, communication, and enforcement of company policies and programs

• Train managers on key HR topics including compliance, leaves of absence, IIPP, Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), harassment prevention, and wage & hour practices

• Identify gaps in manager capability and proactively provide practice tools and guidance

• Other duties, as assigned

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 7-10+ years of progressive HR experience, including demonstrated experience serving as the sole or senior-most HR leader within an organization, preferably in a multi-location or field-based environment

• Strong working knowledge of federal and California employment laws; Arizona knowledge a plus

• Demonstrated experience conducting employee relations investigations and managing sensitive workplace issues independently, without escalation support from a larger HR team

• Experience supporting hourly, non-exempt workforces (retail, hospitality, or salon industry experience preferred)

• Hands-on experience with HRIS and payroll systems (Paylocity preferred)

• Strong documentation, attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to independently own and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment with no additional HR support

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong working knowledge of federal and California labor laws; Arizona knowledge a plus

• Proven ability to conduct workplace investigations and manage sensitive employee relations matters

• Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Sound judgment and ability to assess risk while providing practical, business-oriented solutions

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and coach frontline managers

• Comfort operating as the final HR decision-maker, escalating only what truly requires outside legal counsel

Technical Proficiency

• Hands-on experience with HRIS and payroll systems; Paylocity strongly preferred

• Experience auditing payroll and wage statements for compliance

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with salon or retail systems (e.g., Zenoti) is a plus

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

• HR certification (PHR or SHRM-CP required; SPHR or SHRM-SCP a plus)

Additional Requirements

• Must be based in California, or have demonstrated experience as it relates to California employment laws

• Must have the ability to travel to salon locations, as needed (Northern California, Southern California, and Arizona)

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

Physical Job Description

Typical Working Conditions:

• The employee primarily works remotely from a home office or other approved work location, utilizing computer systems, video conferencing platforms, and other standard office equipment.

• The position requires occasional travel to salon locations, meetings, training events, recruiting functions, and other business-related activities. During site visits, the employee may be exposed to typical salon conditions, including moderate noise levels, hair care products, chemical odors, airborne particles, and wet or slippery surfaces.

• The employee may work in a variety of environments, including office settings, salon locations, training facilities, and event venues. Work may occasionally be performed indoors and outdoors.

• The noise level in the work environment is generally low to moderate, depending on the work location.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work, attending virtual meetings, and completing administrative tasks.

• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment for prolonged periods.

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication platforms.

• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and move throughout salon locations, offices, and event venues.

• Ability to travel locally and occasionally outside the local area as business needs require.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull files, office supplies, training materials, and other work-related items weighing up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis.

• Ability to maintain manual dexterity sufficient to operate computers, mobile devices, and other office equipment.

• Ability to move between work locations and navigate typical workplace environments safely and effectively.

Benefits

• Medical