People & Culture Generalist
About The Position
The People & Culture Generalist serves as the primary human resources partner for Ground Studio. Reporting to the Director of Finance, with additional oversight and strategic guidance from a Firm Partner, this role has responsibility for HR functions across all three California offices (Monterey, Napa, and Santa Barbara). The ideal candidate brings strategic HR expertise combined with hands-on execution capabilities, balancing compliance requirements with creating an engaging workplace culture. This role is critical to supporting our team of designers, project managers, and administrative staff while ensuring Ground Studio remains a great place to work. You will be the go-to resource for all employee-related matters, from onboarding to offboarding, benefits administration to performance management, and policy development to culture initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
- 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in professional services or creative industries
- Strong knowledge of California employment law (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, FEHA, wage and hour)
- Experience with benefits administration, leave management, and open enrollment
- Proven ability to handle sensitive employee relations matters with discretion
- Experience developing HR policies and managing performance review processes
- Proficiency with HRIS, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and DocuSign
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently across multiple office locations
Nice To Haves
- PHRca, PHR, or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification
- Knowledge of multi-state HR compliance
- Experience working within the AEC
Responsibilities
- Serve as primary HR contact for employees across all three offices
- Partner with managers and Director of Finance on employee relations, conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary actions
- Manage full-cycle onboarding and offboarding including offer letters, new hire setup, exit interviews, and documentation
- Administer all benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, 401k), manage open enrollment, and coordinate with vendors/carriers
- Assist Director of Finance with annual benefits assessments
- Respond to employee benefits questions and resolve benefits-related issues
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; maintain current knowledge of California HR regulations
- Develop, update, and communicate HR policies and employee handbook
- Maintain accurate personnel files and data; generate reports and metrics for leadership
- Administer timekeeping system and support payroll processing with accurate employee data
- Manage workers' compensation claims and safety incident documentation
- Facilitate performance review cycles and provide recommendations to managers
- Champion company culture through employee engagement activities, recognition programs, and the annual studio retreat
- Conduct HR audits, maintain compliance documentation, and coordinate with legal counsel and HR Consultants as needed
- Partner closely with Director of Finance on strategic HR planning, budgeting, and organizational development
- Collaborate with Operations Coordinator on facilities, IT, and administrative functions
- Participate in the Business Administration team’s weekly L10 meetings
Benefits
- paid time off
- medical
- dental
- vision
- term life insurance coverage
- education and wellness stipends
- the potential for yearly bonuses
- participation in a 401K retirement plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
