Senior Department Manager/Department Manager, Human Resources

OCTA•Orange, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role encompasses two distinct but related positions: Senior Department Manager – Human Resources and Department Manager – Human Resources. Both roles involve planning, leading, and overseeing Human Resources programs and services, including Benefits, Compensation, Labor & Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partners, and HRIS. The Senior Manager serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and division management, ensuring alignment of human capital strategies with organizational goals and compliance with laws. The Department Manager provides strategic and operational HR support, ensuring effective coordination of human capital initiatives and compliance with best practices. Both are exempt positions with specified salary grades and ranges. The organization, OCTA, is described as the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator, focused on creating a balanced, equitable, and sustainable transportation system.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive HR experience.
Significant employee and labor relations work (Senior Manager).
Six (6) years in HR management (Senior Manager).
Four (4) years in HR management (Department Manager).
Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, compensation, benefits, and HR systems (Senior Manager).
Strong expertise in compensation, talent acquisition, benefits, and HR systems (Department Manager).
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence senior leaders, and manage complex organizational issues (Senior Manager).
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, and influence stakeholders (Department Manager).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree
Professional HR certification
Public-sector HR experience (Senior Manager)

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all HR functions, policies, and systems (Senior Manager).
Serve as the Agency’s lead on employee and labor relations, including collective bargaining agreements and grievance processes (Senior Manager).
Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws; proactively identify and mitigate employment risk (Senior Manager).
Develop and implement strategic human capital plans, compensation strategies, and benefits programs (Senior Manager).
Lead and develop the HR team, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement (Senior Manager).
Advise executive leadership and the Board of Directors on HR strategies, policies, and initiatives (Senior Manager).
Lead and manage core HR functions including compensation, talent acquisition, benefits, HRIS, and HR business partner services (Department Manager).
Develop, implement, and enhance HR policies, programs, and systems to improve organizational effectiveness (Department Manager).
Oversee HR budgets, reporting, and data analysis to support informed decision-making (Department Manager).
Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws and monitor industry trends and best practices (Department Manager).
Develop and execute strategic human capital and workforce plans aligned with Agency goals (Department Manager).
Lead and develop HR staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth (Department Manager).
Partner with managers and directors to support effective people management and organizational performance (Department Manager).