Senior Department Manager/Department Manager, Human Resources

OCTA•Orange, CA

7d•$167,357 - $256,298

About The Position

Senior Department Manager – Human Resources Under minimal direction, plans, leads, and oversees all Human Resources programs and services, including Benefits, Compensation, Labor & Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partners, and HRIS. Serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and division management, ensuring alignment of human capital strategies with organizational goals while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This is an exempt position in Salary Grade 270: Min – $184,496.00 | Mid – $220,396.80 | Max – $256,297.60/year. The starting salary and level will be within this range based on qualifications. This posting will remain open until filled. Department Manager – Human Resources Under minimal direction, plans, leads, and administers Human Resources programs and services including Compensation, Talent Acquisition, Benefits, HR Business Partners, and HRIS. Provides strategic and operational HR support to executive leadership and Agency divisions, ensuring effective coordination of human capital initiatives and compliance with applicable laws and best practices. This is an exempt position in Salary Grade 260: Min – $167,356.80| Mid – $199,929.60 | Max – $232,481.60/year. The starting salary and level will be within this range based on qualifications. This posting will remain open until filled. OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs. We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, professional HR certification, and public-sector HR experience are preferred.
Advanced degree and professional HR certification are preferred.

Responsibilities

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