Manager of HR, Benefits, & Employee Relations

G and H Towing Company•Galveston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Human Resources, Benefits & Employee Relations is responsible for managing the Company's Human Resources operations under the direction of the Vice President, Human Resources, Administration & Labor Relations. This position administers the Company's shoreside employee benefits programs, retiree health plan reimbursement program, employee leave administration, personal injury coordination, employee relations, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), employee engagement initiatives, and Human Resources compliance. The position also serves as the Human Resources liaison with the Seafarers International Union (SIU) to assist mariners with benefit-related questions and coordinate benefit matters with the Union. This position supervises the Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant and coordinates employee appreciation programs, service and longevity awards, retiree recognition, Company events, employee communications, and social media initiatives. Working closely with the Vice President of Human Resources, Administration & Labor Relations and the Payroll Department, this position ensures the accurate administration of employee benefits, leave programs, personnel transactions, retiree health reimbursements, payroll-related employee changes, and other Human Resources operations while promoting employee engagement and delivering exceptional customer service to employees.

Requirements

Ability to communicate and exchange information professionally to perform essential job functions, including communicating with employees, managers, vendors, union representatives, and other business partners, with or without reasonable accommodation
Adhere to all company policies and applicable regulations
Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues, escalating when appropriate
Demonstrate strong ethical conduct, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, professionalism, sound judgment, relationship building, and customer service skills in all interactions
Demonstrated working knowledge and experience using ADP Workforce Now within the past six months
Experience administering employee benefit programs, retiree benefit programs, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), leave administration, and employee recognition programs
Interpret and follow complex written and verbal instructions
Learn and apply company policies, procedures, and the Towing Safety Management System (T.S.M.S.)
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive business and personnel information
Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and service standards
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience with emphasis on benefits administration, Human Resources operations, employee relations, leave administration, payroll coordination, and employee engagement.
Requires proficiency in standard business hardware and software, including Microsoft Office and web-based systems
Strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills
Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, leave administration, payroll coordination, and Human Resources compliance
Support departmental and organizational goals and objectives
Thorough knowledge of Human Resources operations and employment practices
Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, and applicable federal and state employment laws
Ability to access company facilities, operational areas, or other work locations as needed to perform essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to access vessels, docks, shipyards, and/or company facilities as necessary to perform essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and/or reach for items
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through written communications
Ability to handle, move, and manipulate office materials and equipment as necessary to perform assigned duties
Ability to move throughout the office and operational locations as necessary to perform assigned duties
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move office materials, records, or equipment necessary to perform essential job functions
Ability to operate standard office equipment and, when required by assigned duties, company vehicles or other equipment in accordance with applicable policies and training requirements with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related equipment
Ability to push, pull, and/or squat
Ability to read, prepare, and review written documents and electronic communications
Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound business decisions
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to perform essential job functions, including communicating safety information, operational requirements, and business-related documentation
Ability to complete required training and maintain applicable certifications
Ability to interact professionally, ethically, and respectfully with employees, customers, vendors, leadership, and the public
Ability to exchange and understand information necessary to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and use ethical and professional judgment
Ability to build effective working relationships
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality consistent with the essential functions and scheduled requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
Ability to multitask and plan time efficiently
Ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position with minimal supervision
Ability to receive, understand, and respond appropriately to safety warnings, alarms, communications, and operational instructions, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to solve practical problems as they relate to the position
Ability to understand and apply job-related policies, procedures, and instructions
Requires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respect
Requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
Ability to perform assigned responsibilities independently when required
Ability to work closely with others
Ability to work scheduled and occasional extended hours, weekends, holidays, or emergency assignments as required by business need
May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and cold
May be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and/or chemicals
May be subjected to water and/or liquids
May encounter stressful situations, difficult interactions, or emergency operational conditions
Potential exposure to tobacco products
Regular use of computers, telephones, printers, and other office equipment
Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane

Nice To Haves

Experience assisting with departmental budget preparation and administration preferred
Experience in a unionized environment is preferred
Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CEBS, or related Human Resources certification preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred

Responsibilities

Administer and maintain the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), ensuring employee data integrity and timely personnel transactions
Ensure compliance with Company policies, procedures, and Human Resources best practices
Maintain accurate employee records and confidential Human Resources documentation
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and Company policies
Manage the daily operations of Human Resources while providing exceptional customer service to employees and management
Process employee status changes, organizational updates, personnel actions, and employment documentation
Recommend and implement improvements to Human Resources policies, procedures, workflows, and operational efficiencies
Utilize ADP Workforce Now to perform essential HR and payroll-related functions, maintain accurate employee records, and support day-to-day workforce administration
Administer the Company's shoreside employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, voluntary benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), COBRA, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives
Coordinate the annual Open Enrollment process, including employee communications, enrollment meetings, benefit education, and system administration
Serve as the primary Human Resources contact for employee benefit eligibility, enrollment, life events, claims assistance, and benefit questions
Partner with benefit brokers, insurance carriers, consultants, and third-party administrators to ensure efficient administration of benefit programs
Monitor benefit invoices and assist with reconciliation, reporting, and annual renewals
Assist with annual benefits analysis and recommendations for plan improvements
Administer the Company's retiree health plan reimbursement program. Verify retiree eligibility and process reimbursement requests in accordance with Company policy
Coordinate retiree benefit communications and maintain accurate reimbursement records
Work closely with Payroll and Finance to ensure timely reimbursement processing
Serve as the primary contact for retiree benefit inquiries
Serve as the Human Resources liaison with the Seafarers International Union (SIU) regarding mariner benefit questions
Assist mariners with understanding available benefit programs and direct employees to the appropriate SIU representatives when necessary
Coordinate with SIU representatives to resolve benefit-related issues while maintaining positive labor-management relationships
Administer employee leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, military leave, personal leave, bereavement leave, and other Company leave programs
Coordinate leave requests, medical certifications, employee communications, return-to-work documentation, and compliance requirements
Partner with Payroll to ensure accurate leave coding and payroll processing
Coordinate the Company's personal injury administration program by working closely with employees, Risk Management, Payroll, medical providers, legal counsel, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators.
Maintain confidential claim documentation and employee communications
Assist employees throughout the recovery process and coordinate return-to-work activities
Coordinate payroll and benefit continuation related to employee injury claims
Assist managers and employees with interpretation and application of Company policies and procedures.
Provide guidance regarding employee relations matters, performance concerns, corrective action, attendance issues, and workplace conflict
Support the Vice President with workplace investigations and employee relations initiatives
Promote consistency, fairness, and professionalism in the administration of Company policies
Coordinate employee appreciation events, service awards, longevity awards, retiree recognition programs, wellness initiatives, holiday celebrations, and Company-sponsored events
Coordinate employee recognition programs that reinforce the Company's culture and values
Manage internal employee communications and Company social media initiatives supporting recruiting, employee engagement, recognition, and organizational culture
Assist with employee surveys and engagement initiatives
Maintain a collaborative partnership with the Payroll Department to ensure timely and accurate processing of personnel actions affecting payroll
Coordinate employee status changes, benefit deductions, leave administration, retiree reimbursements, and other payroll-related Human Resources activities
Assist in resolving payroll discrepancies related to employee benefits and Human Resources transactions
Assist the Vice President of Human Resources, Administration & Labor Relations with the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the Human Resources departmental budget
Monitor expenditures related to employee benefits, recognition programs, Company events, departmental operations, and Human Resources initiatives
Assist with vendor management and budget forecasting
Assist with Human Resources audits, compliance reporting, and regulatory filings
Prepare Human Resources metrics, benefit reports, employee analytics, and departmental reports for Executive Leadership
Maintain compliance with HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable employment laws and regulations
Ensure proper record retention and confidentiality of employee information
Supervise the Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant by providing coaching, work direction, performance evaluations, and professional development
Participate in special projects and organizational initiatives
Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Human Resources, Administration & Labor Relations