Human Resources Manager

Job Summary:

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of HR functions within the organization, including recruitment, hiring, employee onboarding, training and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and compliance with employment laws. This role plays a critical part in fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring smooth operations by acting as a bridge between management and employees. Additionally, the HR Manager manages complex administrative, technical, and professional HR functions, supporting the organization’s personnel systems, such as position classification, benefits administration, and safety compliance. This role is also responsible for managing internal and external communications, ensuring accurate dissemination of information, and maintaining the organization’s public image. The role collaborates closely with District Officers, Department Managers, Supervisors, and staff, fostering a confidential and supportive relationship to drive strategic talent management, organizational success, and clear communication. Works under the general supervision of the Superintendent, exercising considerable independent judgment in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

While the HR Manager currently has no direct supervisory responsibilities, the role may involve supervising other staff as assigned.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Oversee all HR functions to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and efficient operations.

· Develop and implement leadership training programs that enhance staff development and foster growth within the District.

· Cultivate a positive and inclusive work environment by maintaining high employee morale and ensuring alignment with the District’s core values and culture.

· Design and implement employee relations and engagement programs that support the District's strategic goals and objectives.

· Provide counseling and coaching to employees on work-related matters, fostering growth and conflict resolution.

· Address HR-related concerns through proactive group and one-on-one meetings, anticipating potential issues and resolving them effectively.

· Supervise and guide personnel investigations in consultation with the Superintendent, ensuring fair and appropriate actions are taken.

· Manage the recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes for all District staff, ensuring compliance with District policies, procedures, and labor laws.

· Oversee background checks, ensuring full compliance with legal standards and maintaining accurate documentation.

· Administer employee benefits and compensation programs, offering recommendations for adjustments to the Superintendent to ensure competitiveness and equity.

· Manage performance evaluation processes, suggesting improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the performance management system.

· Assist in the development and execution of disciplinary actions in collaboration with Department Managers and Supervisors.

· Resolve informal employee grievances, escalating matters when appropriate, and ensuring fair outcomes.

· Attend and manage Administrative Hearings related to grievance resolutions at the direction of the Superintendent.

· Advise Department Managers, Supervisors, and staff on HR policies and practices, ensuring consistency, fairness, and transparency.

· Collaborate with the Superintendent, District Officers, and legal counsel to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

· Serve as the District’s Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer, ADA Compliance Officer, and Freedom of Access Officer, ensuring adherence to relevant policies and laws.

· Review and update the Employee Handbook, Administrative Procedures, and Benefits Manual in collaboration with the Superintendent to maintain relevance and compliance.

· Stay informed on changes to the Affordable Care Act and other HR-related regulations, ensuring the District remains compliant.

· Oversee the proper maintenance of HR records, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for confidentiality and accuracy.

· Ensure personnel files are well-managed and in compliance with state and federal regulations, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

· Oversee the workers' compensation process and collaborate with the Safety Committee to implement safety initiatives and improve workplace safety.

· Contribute in the renewal of the Safety & Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE) Program and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

· Review and recommend updates to the District’s Health and Safety Policy Manual to ensure alignment with best practices.

· Serve as the Designated Employer Representative (DER) for the District’s Drug and Alcohol Program, ensuring compliance and maintaining confidentiality.

· Assist in the preparation of annual salary and benefits projections for District employees to ensure fiscal responsibility and competitiveness.

· Collaborate with the Finance/Payroll team to resolve HR-related issues, ensuring timely and accurate payroll and benefit processing.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of public personnel administration, including classification, compensation, benefits, recruitment, selection, training, labor relations, and safety practices.
• Skill in preparing and administering municipal budgets and HR systems.
• Ability to execute tasks quickly and effectively while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to present complex information to diverse audiences, including elected officials, senior management, and employees.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and recommend multiple solutions.
• Expertise in employee relations, change management, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to build and implement programs aligned with business strategies.
• Capability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Skilled in preparing and analyzing comprehensive reports.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under medium to high stress.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels, with external stakeholders, and the general public.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, public administration, or a related field.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM, PHR) is preferred.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of HR experience, including at least three (3) years in senior management or executive-level roles.
• Experience working in a municipal or quasi-municipal HR Department is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience will be considered.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The position typically involves office-based work, with occasional walking, standing, and light lifting (up to 25 pounds).
• The role may require occasional in-state, out-of-state, and overnight travel.
• The work environment is standard for office settings and includes normal safety precautions for office equipment and meetings.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• The duties outlined above are intended to serve as examples of typical responsibilities for this role and do not constitute an exhaustive list. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
• This job description is subject to change based on organizational needs and requirements.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Wells Water District is committed to employing the best-qualified individuals without discrimination based on race, religion, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, color, political affiliation, whistleblower activity, or any other legally protected status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $78,718.00 - $97,385.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Professional HR: 7 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• SHRM Certified Professional or PHR (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Kennebunk, ME 04043 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $78,718 - $97,385