HR Manager

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Butler & College seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager to support the firm's rapid growth and multi-office expansion across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The HR Manager will be responsible for managing personnel matters, employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, and—most critically—enforcing firm policies and procedures consistently across all locations. This role is essential to maintaining a professional, compliant, and high-performing organization as we scale our operations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The HR Manager will perform the following duties:

• Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard new employees across all office locations; develop and refine recruitment strategies to attract top talent in legal and operational roles
• Manage employee leave administration, including paid time off (PTO), sick leave, maternity leave, medical leave, and other statutory/company benefits; maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with federal and state leave laws
• Coordinate maternity leave, paternity leave, and other family/medical leave requests; draft leave agreements and manage communication with employees during their absence
• Enforce existing firm policies and procedures consistently and fairly across all employees and locations; address policy violations promptly and document all enforcement actions
• Conduct employee relations meetings regarding policy compliance, performance concerns, behavioral issues, and other personnel matters; serve as mediator for interpersonal conflicts
• Handle employee complaints, grievances, and disciplinary matters; investigate concerns and recommend or implement disciplinary action (up to and including termination)
• Draft, revise, and maintain comprehensive HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks; ensure all policies are compliant with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Manage benefits programs, including health insurance, 401(k) administration, workers' compensation, and other employee benefits; serve as primary point of contact for benefits questions
• Maintain all personnel files and HR records in accordance with legal requirements; ensure confidentiality and proper documentation of all personnel decisions
• Conduct wage and hour compliance reviews; ensure compensation practices comply with FLSA, state minimum wage, and overtime regulations
• Develop and implement employee training programs on firm policies, harassment/discrimination prevention, and other required topics
• Manage performance evaluations and goal-setting processes in collaboration with managers and partners
• Prepare HR reports, metrics, and analytics on hiring, retention, turnover, compensation, and other HR data
• Serve as primary HR contact for all employees; respond to HR inquiries professionally and in a timely manner
• Coordinate with outside counsel, accountants, and benefits administrators on HR-related matters
• Maintain awareness of changes in employment law and ensure firm policies remain compliant
• Support all office locations with consistent HR administration and policy enforcement

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must have:

• Minimum 3-5 years of human resources experience in a professional services, law firm, or corporate environment
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment law, including FMLA, ADA, Title VII, wage and hour laws, and NC/SC/GA employment statutes
• Experience recruiting, hiring, and onboarding across multiple locations or organizations
• Experience managing leave administration (PTO, maternity leave, medical leave, FMLA) and benefits programs
• Demonstrated ability to enforce policies fairly and consistently; comfort with difficult conversations and disciplinary situations
• Proficiency with HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) software and applicant tracking systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft clear, professional HR documentation
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple personnel matters simultaneously
• Professional discretion and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding personnel matters
• Problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive interpersonal issues professionally
• Familiarity with multi-office/multi-location HR administration
• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar HR certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within first year
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (travel between office locations may be required)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience or knowledge in any of the following is a plus:

• HR experience in a law firm environment
• Experience with payroll administration and benefits enrollment
• Knowledge of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia employment law
• Experience with performance management systems and 360 reviews
• Familiarity with ATS (Applicant Tracking System) platforms like Greenhouse, Workable, or similar
• Experience managing remote or distributed teams
• Knowledge of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and inclusive hiring practices
• Experience with HR compliance audits and policy documentation
• Background in employee training and development

KEY COMPETENCIES & CORE VALUES

Policy Enforcement & Compliance

Strong ability to implement and enforce firm policies consistently and fairly. Comfort with difficult conversations, discipline, and terminations. Understanding that policy enforcement is essential to firm culture and legal compliance.

Judgment & Discretion

Maintains confidentiality of all personnel matters. Exercises professional judgment in sensitive situations. Demonstrates maturity and ethics in handling private employee information.

Communication & Diplomacy

Clear, professional communication with employees at all levels. Ability to deliver difficult messages with empathy and clarity. Strong listening skills and ability to understand multiple perspectives.

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

Proactive recruiting mindset. Ability to identify talent, conduct effective interviews, and close candidates. Experience creating inclusive hiring processes that attract diverse talent.

Organization & Attention to Detail

Meticulous documentation and record-keeping. Manages multiple concurrent projects and deadlines. Ensures accuracy in personnel files, leave administration, and compliance records.

Problem-Solving & Adaptability

Creative problem-solving in complex people situations. Flexible and adaptable in a growing, evolving organization. Proactive in identifying and addressing HR risks before they become issues.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The HR Manager reports directly to the Managing Partner or designated firm leadership. The HR Manager has authority to implement policies and make recommendations regarding personnel matters, subject to partner approval for final decisions on terminations, significant compensation adjustments, or other major personnel actions.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Butler & College offers competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) matching, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and professional development opportunities. Compensation range: $55,000–$85,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is best conducted in office but will involve travel between Butler & College's multiple office locations for recruiting, training, or policy implementation and for regular “face time” across the firm. The HR Manager must be comfortable working in a professional law firm environment while maintaining strong confidentiality and discretion.

WHY JOIN BUTLER & COLLEGE

Butler & College is a rapidly growing real estate closing and title services law firm with a 20+ year history of serving builders, real estate agents, and commercial clients across the Carolinas. We are expanding aggressively and building a talented, professional team. As our HR Manager, you will:

• Shape our company culture during a critical growth phase
• Have direct impact on firm operations and policy implementation
• Work with a diverse team of attorneys, paralegals, and staff across multiple states
• Develop a comprehensive HR function from the ground up (or enhance existing practices)
• Be part of a firm that values professionalism, growth, and team development

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Butler & College, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Diane Kerley at View email address on us.fitly.work. Please include in your cover letter: (1) why you're interested in this role at Butler & College; (2) your experience with policy enforcement and difficult personnel situations; (3) your recruiting philosophy; and (4) your understanding of employment law compliance. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.