Head of Employee Relations & HR Compliance

HR ManagerOur client, a fast-growing global technology firm providing IT consulting and solutions to industries ranging from financial services to manufacturing, is seeking a dynamic Human Resources Manager. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role requires a hands-on, knowledgeable HR professional who can manage a variety of tasks, including employee relations, immigration cases, compensation analysis, and performance management. This role demands a proactive "doer" who can ensure compliance, foster a high-performing culture, and handle all HR responsibilities with precision and prompt attention to detail.Responsibilities of the HR Manager:Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers, offering guidance and resolving issues in a timely, fair, and confidential manner.Address workplace conflicts, provide coaching, and ensure a positive work environment that fosters trust and collaboration.Lead employee relations programs and activities, including counseling, policy interpretation, and employee recognition.Support audits and compliance activities, creating custom reports and supporting documentation as needed.Manage the full cycle of immigration cases, including H1B, PERM, and other visa processes.Act as a liaison between employees, legal counsel, and immigration agencies to ensure compliance and timely processing.Provide guidance to employees and managers regarding immigration policies and procedures to ensure smooth transitions for international hires.Conduct compensation analyses to ensure pay structures are competitive and equitable.Collaborate with leadership to review and adjust compensation programs, including salary benchmarking and total rewards packages.Support annual salary reviews and merit increase processes with data-driven recommendations.Oversee the performance management process to ensure employees receive regular feedback and growth opportunities.Collaborate with managers to address performance issues, develop improvement plans, and drive accountability.Support leadership in fostering and maintaining a high-performance culture.Ensure HR policies and practices comply with local, state, and federal employment laws.Administer and communicate company-wide policies and keep the organization updated on relevant legal changes.Lead day-to-day HR operations, including onboarding, offboarding, and employee lifecycle management.Collaborate with external vendors for payroll, benefits administration, and HRIS management.Understand and manage processes related to billable hours and bench pay.Track key HR metrics and prepare reports for leadership, leveraging data to identify trends and areas for improvement.Qualifications of the HR Manager:Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.5-10 years of relevant HR experience, including at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.Experience within a technology firm or "tech adjacent" firm.Proven experience in employee relations, immigration case management (e.g., H1B, L2), compensation analysis, and performance management.Strong understanding of employment laws and regulations, including those in complex jurisdictions like New York and California.Experience managing billable hours and bench pay processes.Track record of leveraging HR metrics and preparing leadership reports to drive decision-making.Experience with any of the following systems is a plus: Trinet for Payroll, Employee Navigator for Benefits, SAP Systems, or NetSuite (planned implementation).SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred.Hands-on, proactive approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills at all levels of the organization.Strong analytical skills, particularly in compensation analysis and performance metrics.Problem-solving mindset with the ability to work through complex issues and provide practical solutions.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).