Human Resources Manager

Position Summary

Klēn Space is seeking a detail-driven, resilient Human Resources Manager to lead and enhance our People Operations function across a dynamic, multi-state workforce. This individual will serve as the cornerstone of HR compliance, employee relations, and payroll management, ensuring strict adherence to New York labor laws and company-wide standards.

The ideal candidate brings deep HR expertise, thrives in fast-paced, labor-intensive environments, and is skilled in navigating complex employee relations with professionalism, discretion, and empathy. This is a pivotal role for someone who can implement structure, build trust, and champion systems that support employee engagement while safeguarding the organization from legal risk.

We welcome applicants who are SHRM-certified, fluent in New York employment law, and passionate about balancing compliance with culture.

Key Objectives

• Lead and mentor a team of four HR professionals, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Ensure full compliance with New York State labor laws, wage and hour standards, and internal HR documentation protocols.

• Oversee timely and accurate payroll processing (weekly and bi-weekly) for 150+ employees, minimizing discrepancies.

• Manage the end-to-end recruitment process—from job postings and interviews to offers and role backfills—to support timely and efficient hiring.

• Supervise onboarding processes for both in-office and remote new hires, ensuring documentation, background checks, and initial training are completed within 30 days.

• Address and resolve employee relations concerns with professionalism, tact, and consistent documentation to reduce legal exposure.

• Respond to HR tickets and employee inquiries within 48 hours using communication tools such as Slack, Rippling, and Monday.com.

• Administer benefits programs, including PTO, sick leave, 401(k) eligibility, and WOTC/unemployment filings.

• Drive performance management and workforce planning initiatives, including KPIs, career development plans, and advancement pathways.

• Support employee learning and development, tracking certifications and required training.

• Oversee workplace safety, conduct incident investigations, and manage workers’ compensation claims.

Core Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to clearly convey HR policies and processes to staff at all levels.

• Proven relationship-building skills with employees, managers, and external stakeholders.

• Sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

• High ethical standards and discretion when handling confidential information.

• Deep understanding of employment laws and regulatory compliance.

• Familiarity with payroll platforms and benefits administration tools.

• Strategic thinking and execution of HR initiatives aligned with company goals.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field.

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification required.

• At least 5 years of experience in an HR Manager role.

• Demonstrated, hands-on knowledge of New York State labor laws.

• Experience managing HR for a company with 100+ employees.

• Background in labor-intensive or field-based industries is highly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit for extended periods at a desk during regular working hours.