Head of Recruiting & HR

Under general supervision from the Deputy Chief People Officer, the Human Resources Manager performs a full range of professional level human resources functions including recruitment and retention, benefits administration, employee relations, labor relations, recordkeeping/administration, drug and alcohol, and general human resource functions. All duties must be performed at the highest level of quality, with emphasis on providing exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

Human Resources Manager takes on a higher level of complexity, managing strategic initiatives and specialized functions such as benefits (along with the Sr. HRBP), HRIS, wellness programs, and compensation and classification projects. The Human Resources Manager role further expands on these responsibilities, adding leadership in driving organizational change and developing advanced HR strategies.

Supervision Received and Exercised

The Human Resources Manager operates with minimal supervision, reporting to senior leadership, and may supervise junior Human Resources staff or teams, providing direction on complex HR matters and strategic initiatives.

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultant’s facilities, and other locations as required. Due to the unique nature of the agency’s activities this position must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays. This includes both on-call as well as on-site availability response during emergencies.

Leads Strategic HR Initiatives: Takes ownership with the Human Resources Team of high-impact HR projects and initiatives, aligning them with the organization’s strategic goals and driving cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful execution.

Primary Point of Contact for Senior Leadership: Serves as the dedicated HR advisor to senior leaders under the direction of the Deputy Chief People Officer, providing expert guidance on complex HR issues, organizational development, and leadership strategies.

Manages Complex Employee Relations Matters: Handles advanced employee relations cases, including investigations, conflict resolution, and legal compliance, ensuring alignment with company policies and employment laws. At times will be aware of highly confidential matters that require direct discretion at all times.

Additionally manages our Annual Open Enrollment process along with the Sr. HRBP who primarily handles benefits. Provides support and assistance to participants regarding questions or problems with benefit-related issues, maintaining the highest standard of service. Coordinating the operation of benefit matters between the Human Resources Business Partners across the Human Resources Division.

HRBP who administers and oversees tracking for employee leaves of absence from inquiry through approval and return, including but not limited to FMLA, CFRA, PDL, etc. Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and District policy/procedure.

Drives Organizational Change Management: Manages change management efforts for large-scale organizational initiatives, including restructuring, culture transformation, and workforce planning, ensuring smooth transitions and employee engagement under the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief People Officer.

Oversees Talent Management and Succession Planning: Partners, develops and implements talent management strategies, including succession planning, leadership development and training, and workforce planning, to build a robust NCTD talent pipeline of talent.

Oversees the administration of the District’s performance evaluation process for probationary and routine employee performance reviews; ensure compliance with associated policies/ procedures.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilizes advanced HR analytics and metrics to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and provide strategic insights to guide decision-making at the executive level.

Exhibits the ability to think critically and strategically, anticipating future HR challenges and opportunities, and crafting proactive solutions that align with long-term business goals.

Support Organizational Transformation Initiatives: Lead Employee Engagement and Retention Efforts: Develop and implement strategies to enhance employee engagement, address voluntary and involuntary separations, and improve retention rates, particularly during periods of significant change.

Serve as the key HR advisor on labor relations issues, working closely with union representatives and management to navigate collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and contract administration.

Possesses strong coaching and mentorship skills, guiding Human Resources team members in their professional development and enhancing their HR competencies.

Training Human Resources Business Partner/ Sr. Human Resources Business Partner and Knowledge Transfer: The Human Resources Manager is expected to take an active role in training and developing Human Resources Business Partner team members, sharing knowledge, best practices, and expertise to build a strong, capable HR team. This includes facilitating regular knowledge transfer sessions and providing ongoing support as HRBP members grow in their roles.

Backing Up the Director/Chief: The Human Resources Manager is also responsible for providing support to the HR Director and/or Deputy Chief People Officer as needed, stepping in to handle high-level tasks, represent the HR function in key meetings, and ensure continuity of leadership during their absence.

Bachelor’s Degree in human resources or related field required.

Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus but not required.

Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36‑month period, and no DUI violations in the prior 7 years.

Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

Strong knowledge of principles and practices of human resource administration in the areas of employment, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and training.

Experience working with benefit plans including retirement and insurance.

Ability to keep information confidential and handle difficult situations with diplomacy and tact.

Ability to work under pressure and organize work to deliver high‑quality products within established deadlines in a rapidly changing environment.

Demonstrated above‑average proficiency in computer software programs, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with HRIS and Enterprise Resource Planning systems a plus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, work with office equipment, and periodic lifting of up to 25 pounds is required. Ability to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. May be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. Machines / Tools / Equipment

Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.