Human Resources Compliance Manager

Position Overview

The Human Resources Compliance Manager is a key individual contributor role dedicated to supporting the organization's employment compliance across nearly 40 states and various local jurisdictions. Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this position involves monitoring regulatory developments, conducting compliance audits, managing a compliance calendar, and leading cross-functional compliance efforts to ensure corporate policies and practices align with current employment laws.

Core Responsibilities

• Track and interpret federal, state, and local employment law changes impacting workforce management and operations.
• Assess impacts of regulatory updates and deliver clear, actionable guidance for policy, payroll, system, and communication adjustments.
• Maintain systematic monitoring of compliance obligations across multi-state and local areas.
• Design and implement periodic audits evaluating compliance in critical areas such as paid leave, wage laws, employee classification, overtime, I-9 documentation, labor law postings, handbook policies, leave regulations, payroll accuracy, pay transparency, employment notices, and personnel record retention.
• Document audit outcomes, identify potential compliance risks, and propose feasible corrective measures.
• Keep organized records evidencing compliance activities and remediation steps.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive compliance calendar encompassing all recurring federal, state, and local deadlines and coordinate related data collection and reporting like EEO-1, California pay data, Form 5500 audits, benefit plan audits, annual policy reviews, required training, I-9 audits, poster updates, and other mandated filings.
• Regularly update senior HR leadership on compliance developments, audit findings, risks, remediation progress, and upcoming deadlines.
• Establish uniform documentation and recordkeeping systems across the HR function.
• Identify compliance training needs driven by regulatory changes and audit insights; organize training logistics, participation tracking, reminders, and completion documentation.
• Collaborate with Learning & Development to produce straightforward, accurate compliance training materials.
• Research and suggest compliance-enhancing tools, technologies, subscriptions, and external resources from industry organizations and vendors.
• Coordinate compliance initiatives involving multiple departments including HR, Payroll, Benefits, Finance, Legal, IT, Recruiting, and Sales.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Legal Studies, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in HR, employment compliance, payroll compliance, employee relations, or related areas supporting multi-state workforces.
• Proficient knowledge of federal, state, and local employment regulations including wage/hour laws, leaves, paid sick time, I-9 compliance, employee classification, records retention, pay transparency, and reporting.
• Proven ability to conduct audits, document compliance findings, and manage corrective action plans.
• Excellent project management skills with the capability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and deadlines without direct supervisory control.
• Familiarity with HRIS, payroll software, learning management systems, compliance tracking tools, or document management systems.
• Competent user of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word for business purposes.
• Preferred certifications include SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or other compliance-related credentials.
• Background in staffing, professional services, or other regulated, multi-jurisdictional sectors is advantageous.

Desired Competencies

• Proactive curiosity to detect and address emerging compliance risks.
• Expert understanding of HR compliance concepts and principles.
• Meticulous attention to detail with exceptional organization skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and own responsibilities.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective time and project management skills.
• Capable of identifying risks and implementing solutions.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and oral.
• Maintains discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Comfortable interacting with employees and leaders across organizational hierarchies.
• Cooperative, adaptable, and willing to contribute beyond defined duties.