Human Resources Manager

Location: Waltham, MA Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, On-Site Department: People Operations Reports To: Chief People Officer Position Summary We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Human Resources Business Partner to support our growing organization and multi‑state workforce. This role is primarily focused on employee relations , while also overseeing benefits administration, new hire onboarding and orientation, employee engagement and culture initiatives, and day‑to‑day HR administration. The ideal candidate is an approachable, solutions-oriented HR professional who thrives in a high-volume, fast‑paced, high‑turnover environment . This individual will work closely with employees and leaders at all levels to address workplace concerns, reinforce company policies and expectations, support a positive culture, and ensure consistent and fair HR practices across the organization. This is a highly visible, five-day-per-week, in‑office position . The successful candidate will be someone who enjoys being accessible to employees, building relationships, and working collaboratively with operational leaders in a service-focused environment. Key Responsibilities Employee Relations Serve as the primary HR resource for employee relations matters across the organization. Partner with managers and leaders to address employee concerns, performance issues, attendance, conduct, workplace conflicts, and other employee relations matters. Conduct and document employee relations investigations, ensuring issues are handled promptly, objectively, consistently, and confidentially. Provide guidance to location managers on coaching, corrective action, performance management, and policy interpretation. Assist with disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, and employment separations. Identify recurring employee relations issues and recommend solutions to improve retention, engagement, and workplace effectiveness. Promote consistent application of company policies and practices across locations and departments. Maintain appropriate documentation and HR records related to employee relations matters. Benefits Administration Support the administration of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other company-sponsored benefits. Serve as a resource for employees regarding benefit questions, eligibility, enrollment, and qualifying life events. Coordinate new hire benefit enrollment and annual open enrollment activities. Partner with benefit providers and internal leadership to resolve employee issues and ensure accurate administration. Assist with benefit communications and employee education. New Hire Onboarding & Orientation Manage and coordinate the new hire onboarding process to provide a welcoming and consistent employee experience. Conduct or coordinate new employee orientation and ensure employees understand company policies, procedures, benefits, culture, and expectations. Ensure required employment documentation and onboarding activities are completed accurately and timely. Partner with hiring managers to ensure new employees are prepared for a successful start. Identify opportunities to continuously improve the onboarding experience. Culture & Employee Engagement Support the development and execution of programs designed to strengthen company culture, employee engagement, recognition, and retention. Help reinforce company values, service standards, and workplace expectations. Develop and support employee communication initiatives, recognition programs, employee events, and other culture-building activities. Maintain a visible presence throughout the organization and develop strong relationships with employees at all levels. Gather employee feedback and identify opportunities to improve the overall employee experience. HR Administration & Compliance Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and HR documentation. Support employment changes, transfers, promotions, leaves, and terminations. Assist with leave administration and provide appropriate guidance to employees and managers. Support compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws and company policies. Maintain required HR reports, records, and documentation. Support audits and other HR compliance activities as needed. Assist with the development, implementation, and communication of HR policies and procedures. Utilize the company's HRIS to maintain employee information and complete HR transactions. HRIS / UKG Ready Maintain accurate employee data and HR records within the HRIS. Utilize UKG Ready to support employee changes, onboarding, reporting, benefits, time‑off administration, and other HR processes. Generate HR reports and provide data to leadership as needed. Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and maximize the effectiveness of HR technology. Partnership with Operations Build strong working relationships with operational leaders across the organization. Provide practical HR guidance that balances employee needs with business and operational requirements. Support leaders in managing a diverse, high-volume workforce. Help managers become more effective in employee communication, coaching, performance management, and employee retention. Travel periodically to operating locations, as needed, to support employees and leaders. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 5+ years of HR experience , with significant experience in employee relations supporting a rapid growth, 800+ employee multi-site, multi-state organization. Demonstrated experience working in a high-volume, high-turnover industry such as food service, hospitality, healthcare, senior living, or other service-based environments. Strong experience handling employee relations issues, including investigations, performance management, attendance, workplace conflict, corrective action, and terminations. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build credibility and trust with employees and leaders at all levels. Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR technology. Ability and willingness to work on-site five days per week . Preferred Experience in a food service, contract dining, hospitality, healthcare, senior living, or other high-volume service environment . UKG Ready experience strongly preferred. Benefits administration experience. Experience supporting a multi-state workforce. Experience developing employee engagement, recognition, or culture programs. #J-18808-Ljbffr