Human Resources Manager

CUAnswers•Grand Rapids, MI

11d

About The Position

The HR Manager drives daily initiatives related to benefits, payroll, employee and management support, training and education, and compliance at CUAnswers and with its network partners. Working closely with the VP of Human Resources, this person helps build, maintain, promote, and administer HR programs, and collaborates with managers and employees to ensure programs are effectively implemented and used. The role requires independent judgment in complex situations, including assessing information, weighing potential risks and benefits, balancing competing priorities, and handling urgent or sensitive matters with discretion. The HR Manager also supports day-to-day team operations, strategic planning, budgeting, project execution, and personnel development.

Requirements

Four-year degree in a business-related field, preferably Human Resources, or equivalent work experience; equivalent experience is at least 2–3 years of experience in human resources or recruiting.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to prioritize work and identify critical tasks.
Experience with HRIS systems, payroll platforms, and applicant tracking systems.
Ability to take initiative, provide timely and appropriate follow-up, and meet commitments.
Knowledge of current labor laws.
Strong problem-solving and presentation skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to build positive working relationships and influence others.
Conflict resolution skills.
Business acumen to align actions and expenses with business goals.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, both independently and as part of a team.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work with external clients and internal staff, and effectively with other CUAnswers teams.
Discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
Ability to operate a telephone, photocopier, fax machine, and PC workstation.
Regular and predictable attendance.
Willingness to embrace and adhere to the company mission and the seven cooperative principles of a cooperative.
Ability to travel by automobile or plane to multiple locations throughout the United States, including client sites, other buildings, and errands.
Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

Responsibilities

Assist the VP of Human Resources with day-to-day team operations, including coaching, mentoring, developing, hiring, firing, disciplining, motivating, performance reviews, training, goal setting, payroll processing, staff budgeting, and HR administration.
Partner with the VP of Human Resources on strategic planning, budgeting, project execution, and personnel development.
Coordinate administration of health, dental, life, workers’ compensation, disability, reimbursement account, and COBRA benefits.
Coordinate with benefit vendors, the VP of HR, and the CFO on benefit plan design and implementation.
Develop and maintain educational materials on HR practices and promote benefit programs through orientation, courses, and communications.
Maintain benefit program documentation, support HR team members’ understanding of benefit procedures, and coordinate employee Open Enrollment.
Oversee HR processes supporting accurate and timely payroll, including employee information, timekeeping, paid time off, leave records, compensation changes, benefit deductions, leave payments, and payroll adjustments.
Ensure managers and employees follow timekeeping, payroll submission, and approval procedures.
Collaborate with Payroll and Accounting to resolve discrepancies, improve processes, and maintain communication and separation of duties.
Develop and improve HR-related payroll procedures and internal controls, and act as an escalation resource for complex payroll-related matters.
Ensure compliance with FMLA and disability leave requirements, HR documentation requirements, and the HR RIM program.
Track government updates and policies with the VP of HR, research mandates, create educational materials, and conduct training.
Assist Accounting and Internal Audit with audit requests and assist Payroll in ensuring compliance with weekly payroll runs.
Develop and implement employee education initiatives, facilitate training, and monitor and report participation and progress.
Build client-facing programs based on internal program frameworks and continually improve programs using internal and external resources.
Coordinate training schedules, trainers, facilities, and related logistics for education and succession programs.
Serve as a resource for staff and management and answer questions about HR matters, including benefits, payroll, policies, job openings, compliance, and leaves of absence.
Research and provide solutions to employee and manager questions or projects.
Work with the VP of HR on projects such as ERO, handbook updates, job description reviews, and system implementations.
Provide reporting and maintain HRIS information for the HR team, managers, and employees.
Use independent judgment, manage competing priorities with discretion, and perform additional duties as assigned.