Human Resources Manager - CapMetro (N)

Keolis - Austin, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Austin, TX

Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation

About the position

The Human Resources Manager at CapMetro plays a pivotal role in overseeing HR functions across multiple locations, specifically in a union environment. This position requires a seasoned HR professional with a minimum of 5 years of experience, including 2-5 years in a unionized setting. The HR Manager will be responsible for managing the HR operations for over 700 employees, ensuring compliance with Texas employment laws, and maintaining a strong focus on employee relations and labor relations. The role involves collaborating with various departments to enhance recruitment processes, onboarding, and employee development initiatives. The HR Manager will also be tasked with conducting employee investigations, managing performance reviews, and ensuring adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA). Additionally, the position requires a commitment to ongoing HR learning and the ability to adapt to changing business priorities while maintaining a high level of service quality and safety. In this role, the HR Manager will lead various HR projects, implement operational strategies, and engage in employee development activities. The position demands excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to manage complex tasks under tight deadlines. The HR Manager will also be responsible for maintaining employee records, conducting exit interviews, and managing compensation and benefits programs. This includes preparing pay budgets, processing promotions and demotions, and assisting employees with their benefits selections. The HR Manager will also oversee training and development initiatives, ensuring that all employees receive the necessary training to succeed in their roles. The HR Manager will serve as a liaison between management and employees, advocating for employee needs while ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements. This role requires a strong ethical approach to HR practices and the ability to build solid relationships with union representatives to resolve grievances effectively. The HR Manager will also be involved in safety and environmental commitments, ensuring that the workplace remains safe and compliant with all regulations. Overall, this position is crucial for fostering a positive work environment and supporting the company's mission to provide excellent transportation services.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the recruiting department in creating job requisitions and seeking their approval.
• Run and review background screening, motor vehicle records for all new hires.
• Collaborate with the leadership team in selecting a candidate.
• Maintain work structure by updating job requirements and job descriptions for all positions.
• Manage new hire onboarding process which includes collection of new hire documents and ensuring completion of new hire paperwork.
• Process I9 and launch E-Verify.
• Conduct new hire orientation for all new hires.
• Proactively engage in employee and labor relations issues.
• Act as a liaison between management and employees to resolve employee relation issues and grievances for both union and nonunion employees.
• Recommend employee discipline as per the CBA.
• Collaborate with site leadership on actionable employee decisions and ensure the delivery of high-quality HR processes.
• Conduct and complete all employee investigations with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Represent the Company at hearings as needed.
• Create work rules pertaining to site operations while adhering to the CBA.
• Demonstrate employee advocacy and develop a reputation as a neutral and approachable HR professional serving all employees.
• Build a solid working relationship with union representatives to seek a common resolution to employee grievances.
• Communicate and act on employee survey results.
• Lead HR and business project initiatives.
• Implement HR operational strategies.
• Conduct and analyze exit interviews.
• Engage in employee development activities.
• Develop and implement facility-staffing strategies inclusive of community outreach.
• Manage programs, policies, and procedures in support of change management and company culture.
• Support management with the performance review process.
• Ensure legal compliance by monitoring and implementing company policy, procedures, federal and state law and its requirements.
• Maintain employee files by designing a filing retrieval system in addition to maintaining electronic employee records.
• Contribute to the leadership team in accomplishing HR related tasks pertaining to the client's request.
• Evaluate potential issues or service needs and formulate strategic responses.
• Complete HR reports (e.g., payroll reports, trackers etc.).
• Conduct periodic pay surveys, job evaluations, employee incentives.
• Prepare pay budgets; monitor and schedule individual pay actions; implement pay structure revisions as applicable to state, federal and CBA.
• Process promotions and demotions.
• Process FFCRA/ COVID pay and complete the tracker.
• Create offer letters for hourly and salary employees.
• Set up new hires to select their benefits, change employee benefits due to a qualifying event.
• Maintain employee benefits programs and any changes pertaining to a qualifying event, promotion, or demotion.
• Assist employees on their selected benefits electronically.
• Process benefit claims, payments, and COBRA.
• Conduct open enrollment presentations.
• Train managers on candidate selection and interviewing skills.
• Train managers and supervisors on coaching and disciplining employees.
• Train managers, supervisors, and employees on Sexual Harassment training.
• Conduct orientation training for all newly hired employees and give tours to the facility.
• Oversee and create the implementation of training with the use of a tracking system.
• Process all leave of absences (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, FFCRA, ADA, Workers Comp).
• Notify employees of their approved/denied leave via letter and administer all applicable pamphlets and information to the employee to remain compliant with all applicable laws.
• Complete and keep up to date leave trackers.
• Collect benefit payments for those employees on leave.
• Transfer employee to COBRA.
• Perform data entry and data cleanup as necessary.
• Support corporate staff with routine HR needs.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 5+ years HR experience
• 2-5 years working in a union environment
• Bachelor's Degree in HR and/or equivalent experience required
• Excellent knowledge of Texas Employment laws
• Experience working across multiple locations strongly preferred
• Experienced as a sole contributor supporting 700+ employees
• Experience with HRIS and payrolling systems required
• UKG experience or similar software experience preferred
• Knowledge of key HR regulations (SHRM or similar certification) strongly preferred
• Understanding of discrimination, harassment and workplace bullying issues
• Experience of influencing behavior and delivering through others
• Prefer track record of transportation, or similar, industry experience and a strong focus on customer service
• Legal knowledge and understanding of HR practices and policies
• Understanding of Collective Bargaining Agreements required

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the transportation industry
• Strong focus on customer service
• Knowledge of HR regulations and compliance

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Opportunities for development and growth
• Safe work environment
• Drug-free workplace
• Pre-employment substance abuse testing