Human Resources Manager

HR Manager Our client is a growing multi-state employer with a strong blue-collar workforce and a family-oriented culture. They are looking for an HR Manager who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, support employees and managers, and navigate everything from employee relations and compliance to payroll and benefits. This position offers the opportunity to be a trusted business partner and play an important role in the company's continued success. Key Responsibilities Multi-State Compliance Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws (including wage-and-hour laws, meal/rest breaks, pay transparency, and leave laws). Monitor and interpret regulatory changes; proactively update policies, procedures, and practices. Conduct internal audits of HR, payroll, benefits, and employee relations practices to ensure ongoing compliance. Partner with legal counsel and external advisors as needed to address complex compliance issues. Maintain and update employee handbooks and policies across multiple states. Employee Relations Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters across multiple states. Investigate employee complaints, concerns, and workplace issues, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant resolutions. Provide guidance and coaching to managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution. Lead and support workplace investigations, including harassment, discrimination, and policy violations. Ensure proper documentation and mitigate organizational risk through consistent application of policies and practices. Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture through proactive engagement and communication strategies. Partner with leadership to address organizational changes, employee engagement, and retention initiatives. Payroll Administration Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for multi-state employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Ensure compliance with all payroll-related regulations including taxation, wage laws, and reporting requirements. Manage payroll systems, audits, reconciliations, and reporting. Collaborate with other departments to ensure proper integration and reporting of payroll data. Address payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries. Benefits Administration Manage and administer employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, retirement, and ancillary benefits. Lead annual open enrollment processes, including communication and employee education. Evaluate and recommend competitive benefits offerings aligned with market trends and organizational goals. Ensure compliance with benefits-related regulations (ACA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA). Manage relationships with brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators. HR Operations & Employee Support Oversee day-to-day HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, and employee records management. Provide guidance to managers and employees on HR policies, procedures, and best practices. Maintain HRIS systems and ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy. Support cross-functional initiatives related to workforce planning and organizational effectiveness. Policy Development & Process Improvement Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and systems. Drive standardization and scalability of HR processes across multiple states. Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements across HR, payroll, benefits, and employee relations. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (HR certification preferred: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR). 58+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant employee relations experience. Demonstrated expertise in multi-state compliance. Proven experience handling complex employee relations issues and investigations. Strong experience managing payroll processes and systems. Hands-on experience administering employee benefits programs. Experience with HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., UKG, ADP, Paylocity, or similar). Strong knowledge of federal employment laws and regulations. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels. Physical Requirements Ability to work in a professional office for extended periods, including prolonged sitting, typing, and computer use. Frequent use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and video conferencing tools. Ability to read and interpret detailed documents, including legal regulations, policies, and reports. Occasional travel may be required to support multi-state operations, attend meetings, or conduct investigations. Ability to participate in in-person meetings, training sessions, or employee discussions as needed. May require extended work hours during peak periods such as open enrollment, audits, investigations, or payroll processing cycles. Mental Requirements High level of analytical ability to interpret complex and evolving multi-state employment laws and apply them accurately in business practices. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex employee relations issues, compliance risks, and operational challenges. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. High level of emotional intelligence and interpersonal awareness to handle sensitive and confidential situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment. Ability to conduct thorough, unbiased workplace investigations and make defensible, compliant recommendations. Strong decision-making skills with the ability to balance legal compliance, business needs, and employee experience. Advanced communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey complex legal and HR concepts to employees and leadership at all levels. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle highly sensitive information appropriately. Adaptability and resilience in response to changing regulations, organizational priorities, and workplace dynamics. Strong organizational and documentation skills to ensure accuracy and compliance across HR, payroll, and benefits functions. Work Environment Office-based work environment with occasional travel as needed. Fast-paced environment requiring responsiveness to employee needs, regulatory changes, and business priorities. FLSA Status: Exempt Pay Range: $120-150,000 Annually Reports to: Vice President, Human Resources