Director of Human Resources and Risk Management

City of La Habra • La Habra, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of La Habra is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced professional to serve as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. This vital executive management position plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the comprehensive human resources and risk management programs for the City. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who can cultivate positive employee relations, guide complex labor negotiations, ensure regulatory compliance, and proactively manage liability and workers' compensation programs to protect the City's assets and workforce.

Requirements

• Executive-level experience leading comprehensive human resources operations, preferably in a public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of labor relations, collective bargaining, employment law, classification and compensation, benefits administration, and organizational development.
• Political acumen and the ability to build effective relationships with elected officials, executive leadership, employees, and community stakeholders.
• A collaborative, approachable leadership style that promotes accountability, transparency, and employee development.
• Demonstrate excellent judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters while applying creative, strategic thinking to drive innovative solutions.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• The ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution while leading through change and competing priorities.
• A commitment to innovation, exceptional customer service, and fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, human resources management, organizational leadership, or a closely related field.
• Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional human resources experience, including at least four (4) years in a management or supervisory capacity within a public agency setting, encompassing both comprehensive Human Resources operations and risk management functions.
• Experience in public sector or local government personnel management is highly desirable.
• A valid California Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required.

Nice To Haves

• A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications such as IPMA-HR, SHRM, or ARM are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Partner with City executive management to align workforce planning, talent acquisition, and organizational development with the strategic goals of the City.
• Human Resources Administration: Oversee recruitment and selection, classification and compensation structures, merit system administration, performance management, and employee training.
• Labor & Employee Relations: Lead or participate in labor negotiations with recognized employee associations; administer Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs); handle grievances, disciplinary matters, and employee relations counseling.
• Strengthen and Modernize Human Resources: Lead a comprehensive assessment of the City’s HR programs, policies, and practices to optimize support for departments and employees. Build an agile, employee-centered HR function that drives organizational performance by championing team member engagement, wellbeing, and career growth at every level.
• Risk Management & Safety: Direct the City’s liability, property, and casualty insurance programs; manage workers' compensation claims; and lead safety and loss-prevention programs to minimize citywide exposure and risk.
• Lead Technology and Maximize HRIS: Provide leadership and strategic direction for human resources technology and business systems (NeoGOV), stabilize and fully leverage the City's HRIS platform (Tyler Munis), and champion well-maintained, modern IT solutions.
• Compliance & Policy Guidance: Ensure departmental compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws (e.g., EEOC, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Cal/OSHA). Provide expert policy interpretations to City departments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive