Human Resources Manager

Rock Region METRO•North Little Rock, AR

19d

About The Position

At Rock Region METRO, you will find a diverse workforce that reflects our community and a commitment to providing world-class transit service. We aim to recruit and hire a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. We value the ideas, enthusiasm, and ambition that each person brings. We place no limits to what you can achieve at METRO. We respect and value our employees because we know that we couldn’t do what we do without them. METRO is seeking an experienced and energetic professional for our Human Resources Manager. Benefits include dental, vision and employer paid health, disability and life insurance as well as participation in a 457(b) deferred compensation retirement plan. Paid leave starting with 12 days of vacation, 12 paid sick days, and 10 paid holidays. BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Human Resources Manager serves as a working manager responsible for leading day-to-day HR operations while directly managing the organization’s recruitment and hiring efforts. This role is hands-on and execution-focused, with primary responsibility for sourcing, hiring, and onboarding talent in a high-volume, operational environment. In addition to recruitment leadership, the HR Manager oversees core HR functions including employee relations, payroll coordination, compliance, and leave administration. This position works closely with the Director of Human Resources to implement strategy while independently driving operational results. KEY SUCCESS FACTORS Effective leadership of high-volume recruitment resulting in reduced vacancies and improved time-to-fill Accurate and compliant payroll review and benefits administration Strong partnerships with managers to support employee relations and operational needs Consistent application of policies, procedures, and labor agreements High level of compliance with federal, state, and regulatory requirements Efficient use of HR systems and data to support decision-making Professional, responsive, and customer-focused HR service delivery Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, operational environment

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible human resources experience.
Minimum two (2) years of experience managing or leading recruitment efforts, preferably in a high-volume environment.
Demonstrated experience in employee relations, benefits administration, and payroll processes.
Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, and wage and hour regulations.
Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., UKG Ready or similar).
Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
Experience in a public sector, transit, or unionized environment.
Experience supporting labor relations and collective bargaining agreement administration.
Knowledge of DOT/FTA compliance and safety-sensitive workforce requirements.
Experience with payroll processing systems and benefits administration platforms.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.
Experience developing HR metrics, dashboards, and process improvements.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage all phases of high-volume recruitment for safety-sensitive and non-safety-sensitive positions.
Develop and implement recruitment strategies to address workforce shortages and hard-to-fill roles.
Oversee job postings, advertising, screening, testing, interview coordination, and hiring processes.
Partner with department leaders to forecast staffing needs and develop workforce plans.
Lead outreach initiatives including job fairs, CDL pipeline programs, and community partnerships.
Monitor recruitment metrics and recommend process improvements.
Oversee background screening processes including criminal history, motor vehicle records, and employment verification.
Manages DOT and Non-DOT pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and supports the Operations Risk Manager in administering all other aspects of the testing program.
Ensure compliance with FTA, FMCSA, and other regulatory requirements.
Coordinate physicals, medical certifications, and related compliance activities.
Reviews bi-weekly payroll in coordination with Finance to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and applicable laws.
Audit payroll actions including new hires, pay changes, transfers, and terminations.
Serve as backup payroll processor as needed.
Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, union provisions, and agency policies.
Administer all employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans.
Serve as escalation point for complex benefit issues and vendor coordination.
Lead open enrollment planning, communication, and employee education.
Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, and other applicable regulations.
Oversee administration of FMLA, ADA accommodations, and other leave programs.
Review medical certifications and coordinate the interactive process.
Provide guidance to managers on leave management and return-to-work procedures.
Oversee workers’ compensation claims and case management.
Coordinate post-injury care, restricted duty assignments, and return-to-work plans.
Serve as liaison with carriers, adjusters, and medical providers.
Provide guidance and consultative support to managers and supervisors on employee relations matters.
Assist management in reviewing facts, documenting issues, and ensuring consistent application of policies and labor agreements.
Participate in investigations, grievance preparation, and labor meetings as assigned.
Review disciplinary documentation for consistency, accuracy, and compliance.
Serves in an advisory and support capacity as it relates to discipline.
Oversee HRIS functionality (e.g., UKG Ready or equivalent).
Ensure data integrity across payroll, benefits, and employee records.
Manage system workflows, reporting, and user support.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Prepare and submit required reports (EEO-1, BLS, DOL, IRS, etc.).
Maintain personnel records in accordance with retention requirements.
Support internal and external audits.
Support onboarding and new hire orientation programs.
Coordinate supervisory and compliance training initiatives.
Assist with performance management processes and employee development efforts.
Directly supervise the HR & Payroll Specialist.
Assign and review work for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback.
Promote a collaborative, service-oriented HR team environment.