HR Manager

Our client, a successful multi-state professional services and consulting firm with fewer than 100 employees, is seeking a hands-on Human Resources Manager to lead and continually strengthen its people function.

In a business where people are the product, this role will serve as a steward of the culture while bringing sound judgment, structure and consistent execution to the employee experience. Supported by an HR Generalist, the HR Manager will work closely with executive leadership and managers across the organization.

What You Will Do:

• Lead the full employee lifecycle, including workforce planning, recruiting, selection, onboarding, development, retention and offboarding.
• Partner with leadership to align people priorities with business goals, organizational needs and future growth.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations, performance, communication, team effectiveness and organizational matters.
• Oversee performance management, including goal setting, feedback practices, corrective action and manager accountability.
• Develop and maintain compensation practices, job architecture, salary structures and incentive programs.
• Oversee payroll, benefits administration, leave management and related vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Identify and mitigate employment-related risk while maintaining practical and business-oriented policies and practices.
• Lead investigations and support the resolution of sensitive or complex employee matters.
• Strengthen employee engagement, retention, recognition and professional development efforts.
• Build manager capability through coaching, tools, training and clear expectations.
• Support succession planning, career development and internal mobility.
• Maintain accurate employee records, reporting and HR metrics to support informed decision-making.
• Evaluate and improve HR systems, workflows and processes for consistency, efficiency and scalability.
• Oversee the employee handbook, policies and internal people-related communications.
• Manage and develop the HR Generalist, establishing clear priorities and an effective division of responsibilities.
• Coordinate with external employment counsel, benefits brokers and other advisors as needed.
• Balance strategic leadership with direct involvement in the day-to-day work of the function.

What We Are Looking For:

• Seven or more years of progressive HR experience, including experience leading a broad HR function.
• Professional services, consulting or similarly people-driven industry experience.
• Strong working knowledge of multi-state employment practices.
• Demonstrated expertise across talent acquisition, employee relations, payroll, benefits, compensation and performance management.
• Experience advising senior leaders and coaching managers through complex people matters.
• Strong judgment, discretion and the ability to navigate nuance.
• A practical, accountable and collaborative leadership style.
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining close to execution.
• Clear, credible and direct communication skills.

This is an opportunity for an authentic and capable HR leader who values collaboration, exercises sound judgment and thrives in a lean organization.

Compensation: $120,000-$150,000, plus eligibility for a discretionary bonus.

Location: Onsite in Walnut Creek, CA area