Human Resources Manager

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

TEF Design is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm based in San Francisco, known for creating thoughtful, context-driven solutions that enrich communities. Our 50+ person team is a dynamic group of architects, designers, and planners who are passionate about making a positive impact through design. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to sustainability, working together to deliver innovative, high-quality projects across educational, cultural, civic, and commercial sectors. At TEF, we foster a supportive, inclusive environment where team members can grow, learn, and contribute to meaningful work that inspires human connection.

ROLE SUMMARY

The HR Manager will oversee the day-to-day HR operations, ensuring alignment with business priorities and organizational goals. This role involves managing recruitment, employee relations, performance management and professional development programs. The HR Manager is responsible for cultivating a positive workplace culture, implementing effective HR strategies, and advising leadership in best practices for workforce management. Additionally, this position will serve as a key resource for resolving employee issues and driving initiatives that improve overall employee satisfaction and engagement.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of balancing administrative responsibilities with forward-thinking HR policies that attract, retain, and develop top talent.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This role does not have any direct managerial responsibilities but requires strong cross-functional collaboration and leadership in managing HR programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• HR Operations: Implement and optimize HR structures and processes that improve employee experience, operational efficiency, and overall productivity.
• Recruitment: Manage the recruitment life cycle, including screening, interview coordination, job postings, reference checks, and offer letters.
• Onboarding/Offboarding: Deliver a seamless onboarding experience and ensure smooth offboarding processes, including conducting exit interviews and tracking insights.
• Benefits: Manage employee benefit programs, 401(k) contributions, and oversee benefits enrollment processes.
• Performance & Career Conversations: Support the performance review process, including preparing surveys, compiling data, and managing timelines.
• Compensation: Manage compensation data for market surveys ensuring alignment with AIA compensation data; handle compensation queries.
• Leaves of Absence: Administer leave of absence processes and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Professional Development: Develop training initiatives, audit completion of required training, and suggest new learning opportunities.
• Employee Experience: Provide insights on improving HR operations, manage employee relations, and address health, absence, or workplace concerns.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to employment laws and regulations, manage workplace injury claims, and update policies as needed.
• Employment Policies & Practices: Support the development of company policies and ensure compliance, assisting in annual Employee Handbook reviews.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Knowledge: Efficiently manages HR projects from inception to completion, ensuring clarity and timely execution.
• Productivity: Mastery of HR tools and processes, with initial focus on identifying and solving operational inefficiencies.  Continuous monitoring and adjustment to ensure sustained productivity and efficiency gains.
• Teamwork: Collaborates well with colleagues, providing constructive feedback and support.
• Communication & Influence: Clearly articulates program and project decisions, promoting understanding across the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES 

• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices, metrics, and databases/systems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex processes, policies, data, and documents
• Ability to conceptualize, formulate ideas, and implement ideas for process improvement
• Strong active listening, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to build and effectively manage interpersonal relationships at all levels internally as well as externally with brokers/vendors
• Exhibits a growth and learning mindset.
• Certifications such as PHR and SHRM-CP are valued.

COMPETENCIES

• Communication skills (verbal and written)
• Problem solving and analytical thinking
• Relationship Building
• Empathy
• Organizational skills (time management/prioritization, attention to detail, coordination/project management)
• Adaptable / Flexible
• Comfortable with technology/learning new technology

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field
• 5-7 years of HR management experience
• Experience working in architectural design, engineering design and/or construction professional services sector preferred.

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