HR Manager (Korean-English Bilingual)

This role is responsible for overseeing HR operations, ensuring full compliance with federal, Washington State, and Seattle labor regulations, and managing compensation and benefits programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong business partnership skills, sound judgment, and cultural sensitivity, supporting both employees and leadership to foster an inclusive and compliant workplace.

Language Requirement: Fluency in Korean and English is required/preferred to effectively support and engage our Korean-speaking workforce and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & HR Operations

• Serve as a trusted HR partner to employees and managers, ensuring consistent and fair employee relations practices.
• Manage the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, offboarding, and performance management.
• Conduct employee relations investigations and provide guidance on disciplinary actions.
• Partner with managers to strengthen leadership capabilities and promote positive workplace culture.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws, including EEOC, FMLA, I-9, E-Verify, OSHA.
• Implement and oversee Seattle-specific labor requirements, including Paid Sick & Safe Time and Washington State PFML.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data integrity.
• Conduct HR compliance audits and proactively address potential risks.

Compensation Management

• Oversee compensation structures, job leveling, and salary bands for Seattle-based employees.
• Lead annual compensation review processes, including merit increases and incentive programs.
• Conduct market benchmarking and internal equity analysis to ensure competitive and fair pay practices.
• Collaborate with Payroll to ensure accurate and timely compensation delivery.

Benefits Administration

• Manage health, dental, vision, 401k, HSA/FSA, and other employee benefit programs.
• Lead open enrollment processes and provide benefits education to employees.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for benefit providers, ensuring smooth administration and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor and manage compliance with state-mandated programs, including PFML and Paid Sick & Safe Time.

HR Strategy & Programs

• Maintain and update the employee handbook, HR policies, and procedures in line with evolving laws and best practices.
• Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and employee engagement programs.
• Develop and analyze HR metrics to provide insights for workforce planning and decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR experience, including employee relations, compliance, compensation, and benefits administration.
• Strong knowledge of Washington State and Seattle labor laws and regulations.
• Fluency in Korean and English (required or strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive employee matters with discretion and fairness.
• Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems.
• PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP certification preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person