HR Compliance Manager (CA)

Job Summary

The HR Compliance Manager is responsible for supporting organizational compliance with California and federal employment laws, with a strong emphasis on wage and hour regulations, internal reviews, and regulatory risk mitigation. This role partners closely with HR, Legal, Payroll, and Operations to develop, implement, and monitor compliant practices across the employee lifecycle. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of California labor laws, strong analytical skills, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach to compliance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Wage & Hour Compliance

Interpret, apply and monitor compliance with California wage and hour laws (e.g., overtime, meal and rest periods, reporting time pay, split shifts, regular rate of pay).
Conduct regular internal reviews of payroll practices, timekeeping systems, and employee classifications (exempt vs. non-exempt).
Partner with Payroll and HRIS teams to ensure accurate calculation of wages, bonuses, and premiums.
Investigate and resolve wage-related complaints, including missed breaks, off-the-clock work, and pay discrepancies.
Monitor and implement changes related to evolving CA labor laws and Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Orders.
Train leaders on compliance related requirements.

Compliance Reviews & Risk Management

Lead internal HR compliance reviews (wage/hour, personnel files, I-9s, leaves of absence, onboarding/offboarding, talent acquisition).
Identify compliance gaps and develop corrective action plans.
Maintain documentation and ensure readiness for external agency reviews (e.g., DLSE, DOL, USCIS).
Track and report key compliance metrics and trends to leadership.

I-9 & Employment Eligibility Compliance

Oversee Form I-9 completion, reverification, and retention processes.
Conduct periodic internal I-9 reviews and correct errors in accordance with DHS guidelines.
Ensure compliance with E-Verify (where applicable) and federal immigration requirements.
Maintain secure and compliant recordkeeping practices.

Training & Policy Compliance

Manage required California training programs (e.g., harassment prevention, workplace violence prevention, safety training).
Track training completion and maintain records for compliance purposes.
Partner with human resources team to develop and deliver compliance-related training content.
Ensure workplace postings and notices are current and compliant.

Leave of Absence Compliance

Administer and review compliance with FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, and other state/local leave laws.
Partner with benefits and HR teams to ensure proper designation, tracking, and communication of leave entitlements.
Monitor overlapping leave laws and ensure accurate application.

Policy Development & Implementation

Partner with HR leadership and Legal to review policies and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
Communicate policy changes and ensure consistent application across the organization.

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required

5–8+ years of HR experience with a strong focus on California compliance.
Current, active HR credential required (e.g., PHR, SPHR, PHRca, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, and/or additional SHRM California Law HR Specialty Credential designations or equivalent).
Deep knowledge of California wage and hour laws and employment regulations.
Experience conducting HR compliance internal reviews (I-9, wage/hour, personnel files).
Strong understanding of federal employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, IRCA).
High attention to detail and strong analytical/problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Successfully communicate and influence the business on required changes.

Preferred

Additional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, PHR, additional designations).
Experience supporting multi-state employers, with California as primary jurisdiction.
Familiarity with HRIS/payroll systems and compliance tracking tools.
Experience working with legal counsel or regulatory agencies.

Key Competencies

Compliance expertise and risk awareness
Internal review and investigative skills
Strong communication and training ability
Detail orientation and documentation rigor
Critical thinking and sound judgment
Ability to influence and partner cross-functionally

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Physical requirements/Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 15 pounds. Able to work outdoors for extended periods of time in possibly extreme conditions, including rain, heat, sun, and wind.

Primarily office or field based with extended periods of sitting and computer use. (Will be based on nursery or farm location.)
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
This role is based in CA with regular travel required within the CA market (nurseries and farms) or other MVN locations. This will likely be between 30%-50% of the time.

OTHER

Subject to MVR and criminal background check (In accordance with applicable fair chance laws, rules, and regulations)

About Us

Moon Valley Nurseries is the largest grower of box trees and palms in North America, and is an industry leader and high growth company that offers competitive salaries with exceptional employee benefits including medical insurance, 401(k), holidays, and PTO to all eligible employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.

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