Head of Employee Relations & HR Compliance

Human Resources Manager

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Human Resources Manager to oversee all areas of HR operations and serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership. This position manages employee relations, payroll, benefits, recruitment, compliance, and HR administration within a highly regulated aviation environment. The ideal candidate brings progressive HR leadership experience, strong knowledge of employment regulations, and experience supporting FAA/DOT compliance and Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs.

Human Resources Operations

Lead HR programs and services, including recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, payroll, benefits, compensation, training, performance management, succession planning, retention, records management, and employee relations.

Ensure HR systems and processes support accurate employee data, reporting, documentation, and operational requirements.

Protect confidential employee and company information.

Identify and implement improvements to HR policies, systems, processes, and practices.

Communicate effectively with employees, managers, executives, regulatory agencies, vendors, and other external partners.

Employee Relations

Advise employees and management on company policies, performance management, disciplinary actions, grievances, complaints, and other workplace matters.

Investigate and resolve employee relations concerns, including complaints, disciplinary issues, workplace conflicts, and EEOC-related matters.

Guide managers through performance improvement plans, progressive discipline, conflict resolution, and corrective actions.

Ensure employment decisions are consistent with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws.

FAA/DOT Compliance

Serve as the company’s primary Designated Employer Representative (DER) for its FAA/DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.

Oversee pre-employment, random, reasonable-cause, post-accident, follow‑up, and return-to-duty testing.

Maintain safety‑sensitive employee records, testing pools, manuals, notifications, certifications, required postings, and compliance documentation.

Manage background and employment‑clearance processes, including PRIA/PRD, NATA/NATACS, CHRC fingerprinting, and other required screening programs.

Coordinate regulatory training and participate in internal, third‑party, and government audits.

Identify compliance deficiencies, recommend corrective actions, and maintain required annual and regulatory reports.

Payroll, Benefits and Leave Administration

Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including new hires, employee changes, tax updates, direct deposits, deductions, and payroll verification.

Administer employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, annual open enrollment, employee communications, and vendor relationships.

Manage multi‑state leave programs, FMLA, ADA accommodations, and company‑sponsored leave programs.

Recruitment and Workforce Planning

Lead full‑cycle recruitment, including job‑description development, sourcing, advertising, screening, interviewing, selection, and onboarding.

Partner with hiring managers to identify workforce needs and create effective recruitment strategies.

Maintain accurate applicant tracking and ensure candidates move efficiently through the hiring process.

Five or more years of progressive human resources experience, including HR management or leadership responsibilities.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; Experience administering a DOT‑regulated Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, preferably as a DER.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR compliance requirements.

Experience managing payroll, benefits, employee relations, recruiting, and leave administration.

Ability to manage changing priorities and tight deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.

Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and computer skills.