Human Resources and People Operations Manager

Human Resources & People Operations Manager

Location: Yorba Linda, California

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Executive Leadership - CEO

Position Summary

The Human Resources & People Operations Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for overseeing and directing the routine functions of the HR department for a growing, project-based construction company specializing in the commercial aquatics field. This role partners closely with leadership and field operations to drive talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, and organizational development. This position requires balancing strategic HR leadership with day-to-day execution in a fast-paced construction environment supporting both field and office employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership to align HR strategy with business objectives and growth initiatives
• Provide guidance on organizational structure, workforce planning, and employee engagement
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and best practices
• Monitor HR metrics (turnover, retention, absenteeism) and provide actionable insights as well as improving reporting quality
• Partner with leadership on team design and talent development
• Lead full-cycle recruiting for field (skilled trades) and corporate roles
• Develop pipelines through trade schools, referrals, and industry networks
• Manage onboarding to ensure compliance, safety training completion, and cultural integration
• Partner with hiring managers to define job requirements, compensation ranges, and hiring timelines
• Serve as secondary contact for employee relations issues, investigations, and conflict resolution
• Coach managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, and documentation
• Oversee performance review processes and goal-setting initiatives
• Promote a positive, compliant, and inclusive workplace culture
• Ensure compliance with California labor laws (wage & hour, meal/rest breaks, overtime, FMLA/CFRA)
• Maintain employee handbook, policies, and required postings
• Audit I-9s for compliance and maintain employee recordkeeping
• Partner with leadership on risk mitigation related to employee practices and workplace safety
• Review compensation structures and conduct market benchmarking and present recommendations
• Manage employee benefits programs and open enrollment
• Evaluate benefit programs to remain competitive
• Identify training needs and coordinate employee development programs
• Support leadership development and growth for field and office employees
• Coordinate OSHA-required compliance and job-site safety training in partnership with the Safety Manager to reinforce a strong safety culture
• Track certifications, licenses, and required training records
• Develop/implement a trade apprenticeship/ongoing trade skills training program
• Design/implement distinct career development plans for both administrative and field positions
• Track headcount planning, turnover trends, time-to-fill, cost per hire, performance patterns, employee engagement, workload balance, and operational health of the people function
• Streamline all HR processes and procedures
• Responsible for onboarding, offboarding, and documentation processes including performance tracking, exit interviews and final pay compliance
• Maintain personnel files and documentation in compliance with legal requirements
• Convert existing hard copy personnel files to electronic version
• Develop and drive employee engagement and retention actions
• Lead recognition programs, company events, plan and execute team-building initiatives
• Facilitate communication between field and office teams
• Conduct employee surveys and analyze feedback to improve workplace experience
• Manage relationships with benefits brokers, and consultants
• Oversee workers’ compensation claims in partnership with insurance providers
• Coordinate with legal counsel on employment matters when necessary
• Support audits as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 5–7 years of progressive HR experience
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance
• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle recruiting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe-based software and LinkedIn Recruiter
• Proficiency in leveraging AI-powered tools to enhance productivity and workflows
• Versed in multi-state remote worker labor laws
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and integrity
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experienced in applicant tracking systems, HR management software, performance appraisal systems, and reporting tools
• Experience in construction, manufacturing or similar project-based industries
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)
• Experience supporting a workforce with both field and office employees
• Experience as a standalone or lead HR professional in a small-to-mid-sized company
• Fluency in Spanish a plus

Physical Requirements

• Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (15lbs)
• Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist

Benefits

• Salary range $130,000 - $155,000 (eligible for discretionary year-end bonus based on outcomes)
• Vacation (2 weeks annually) and 5 sick days per CA law
• Paid Holidays (8-10)
• Health insurance including medical, dental and vision
• 401k with company matching

Pay: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person