Area Human Resources Manager

Area Human Resources Manager First Student Location: Hartford, Connecticut — Hybrid. Salary: $115,000–$125,000 annually, depending on experience. Travel: Regular travel throughout Connecticut and New England; assigned territory spans approximately 250 miles. This is a hybrid position requiring a regular site presence at all assigned area locations. Candidates must reside in the Hartford, CT area or be willing to relocate to the area before starting. First Student is seeking an experienced Area Human Resources Manager to provide HR leadership and support across multiple operating locations. This position partners with regional and local leaders on employee relations, labor relations, workplace investigations, compliance, and employee development. You will support teams that include drivers, monitors/aides, technicians, administrative employees, and management staff. Key Responsibilities Advise regional and location leaders on employee relations, dispute resolution, policy interpretation, performance management, leave administration, and compensation. Support labor relations, including grievance handling and labor contract administration, in partnership with management and labor counsel. Maintain regular contact with assigned locations to build effective relationships with employees and managers. Conduct fair, thorough workplace investigations and support responses to agency complaints and internal or external audits. Coach managers on addressing employee concerns consistently and appropriately. Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage‑and‑hour requirements. Partner with Talent Acquisition on hiring initiatives and staffing needs associated with new operations. Deliver training on employee relations, performance management, and employment practices. Develop employee engagement action plans and monitor progress. Support leadership development, organizational changes, and location openings and closings. Implement HR initiatives and report results to regional leadership. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. At least five years of HR experience, including employee relations, labor relations, employment law, and training and development. Experience supporting unionized workforces and managing labor relations. Residence in the Hartford, CT area or willingness to relocate before starting. Ability to travel and maintain a regular site presence at all assigned area locations. Working knowledge of employment laws and wage‑and‑hour requirements. Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and administrative skills. Sound judgment and the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially. Proficiency with standard office software and HR systems. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and partner effectively with employees and leaders. Preferred Experience providing HR support across multiple operating locations. Compensation and Benefits Annual salary of $115,000–$125,000, depending on experience. Medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) retirement plan with company match Paid time off, paid sick time, and paid holidays Access to earned-wage and employee rewards programs Professional development and career advancement opportunities A supportive, collaborative work environment Benefits and programs are subject to eligibility and applicable plan terms. Equal Opportunity First Student strives to attract and retain a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. First Student is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a drug‑free workplace. Language Requirement This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job‑related communications be conducted in English. First for a reason At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company‑owned vehicle, are considered safety‑sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. First Student will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request MISSION Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential. FOCUS ON SAFETY Safety is at the heart of everything we do. CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure. SURPASS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities. FOSTER TEAMWORK Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion. SET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence. #J-18808-Ljbffr First Student