Human Resources Operations Division Manager

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include : Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration.

Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

Apply by : 10 / 11 / 2024

Under a high degree of autonomy, manages and leads the division of Human Resources Operations, including talent acquisition, performance management, workforce planning, organizational development, legal compliance and employee relations functions.

This position develops and administers City of Lakewood policies and procedures, as well as Federal, State and local laws and ordinances.

Determines priorities and goals for the division, as well as the department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position description is a valid statement of the job duties, responsibilities, requirements and performance expectations of this position.

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretion.

Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Builds strong partnerships with Department / Division leaders, employees, and outside agencies to understand and address organizational needs.
• Consults and provides recommendations to leadership regarding best HR business practices and organizational development consistent with the City's practices and processes.

Partners with managers to mediate employee issues, resolve problems and mitigate risk.

• Advises supervisors and managers on a variety of issues, including employee engagement, corrective actions, coaching and counseling, terminations, disciplinary hearings preparation, unemployment hearings, special evaluation processes, etc.
• Reviews, analyzes and develops programs, policies, and operational strategies, and forecasts progress toward stated objectives and future needs of the City, to include department reorganizations and City-wide staffing.
• Manages and mentors the Human Resource Operations team to drive projects / initiatives, focus on providing a high level of professional service, solutions and value, enhancing culture and ensuring sound HR business practices that are responsive to organizational needs.
• Responsible for leading the annual Workforce Planning process for the city.
• Serves as a leader in the training and development of supervisors and managers on topics such as employment law compliance, salary administration, performance management, budgeting and staffing issues, etc.

Oversees in-house, formal supervisory training program which provides opportunities for individual supervisor growth and long-range employee development.

• Directs the performance review and development process to strengthen the link between performance and recognition, foster communication between managers and employees, and optimize employee professional potential.
• Conducts investigations of complex, sensitive or escalated issues with other department personnel. Renders decisions and recommendations from results of investigations to appropriate department directors and / or managers.
• Initiates and directs special projects and programs and coordinates with managers and supervisors within the city, to include Transitional Status, mediations, and orientations.
• Participates in the annual pay recommendation program, advising supervisors and managers regarding salary adjustments to help drive pay equity and competitive pay for performance philosophy.
• Partners with Total Rewards Division to make recommendations regarding classification of positions.
• Provides counsel to employees on a variety of issues and policy interpretation, including work hours, performance, pay, discrimination, etc.
• Prepares and administers the Human Resources Operations Division budget, serves as the division Budget Coordinator.
• Oversees HR Operations utilization of HRIS database, ensuring data integrity, administration through best practices, and reporting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

• Supervision Received : Chief of Operational Services
• Supervision Exercised : Human Resource Operations staff

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability leading complex projects including but not limited to performance management, workplace investigations, process improvement, leadership recruitment, drafting legal responses and supervisor training.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of employment issues, laws and regulations (FMLA, ADAAA, EEO, FLSA, etc.). Ability to monitor current trends, best practices and legislative developments and evaluate for impact to organization.
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of ethics and integrity.
• Possesses high degree of confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive employee issues.
• Ability to be innovative and creative in the development of plans, projects and programs addressing employment issues.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Demonstrates support for diversity in the workplace; creates an inclusive, respectful and equitable work environment.
• Ability to continue education and professional development.
• Superior management and supervisory skills; demonstrates a professional demeanor and strong leadership skills that positively influence staff.
• Exceptional common sense, judgment and collaboration skills to effectively identify and solve problems.
• Must have highly developed, articulate communication skills to persuade and influence others to take the right course of action in handling sensitive employee and policy issues.

Communication must be detailed, precise and meaningful so that others understand direction or advice.

• Tact, poise, diplomacy and ability to convey negative information with composure and compassion.
• Professional courage, fairness and ability to make difficult decisions.
• Ability to quickly evaluate and make effective decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to be available to work after hours or attend evening meeting as needed.

Technology Skills

Proficiency in the use of Workday highly preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office application programs including Excel, Word, and Power Point required.

Education and Experience

• Education : Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Human Resources Management or related field.
• Experience : Five or more years of increasingly responsible experience in the human resources field. Three years of leadership and management experience in the human resources career field.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Senior Professional Human Resources certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR).
• Experience in forecasting, data analysis and organizational development.
• A record of continuous professional development.

Certification / Licenses / Specialized Training

Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

LIGHT WORK : Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and / or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

If the use of arm and / or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work

Physical Demands

• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
• Sit, stand or be stationary
• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
• Use of hands and / or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc.
• Walk, ascend, descend on both even and uneven terrain
• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color

Environmental Conditions may include

Office settings

Physical Requirements - No Physical Needed

Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or positions from all levels up to 30 lbs with or without assistance

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws.

All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense.

Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and / or Department safety rules.

Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure, or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act.

Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.

The City of Lakewood celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our workforce. Accordingly, the city is committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community and employees.

Pay Range

$104,124.80-$143,166.40

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable / seasonal positions.