HR Manager II-People Leader

Posting number: 2026CJ27424

Department: DHR - Dept. of Human Resources

Division: Human Resources Svc Delvry

Job classification: Human Resources Manager II (Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines)

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Human Resources, Management

Summary

The Department of Local Services is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager II-People Leader to lead our department’s Human Resources team.

Utilizing your experience and success as a sound HR advisor and collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills, you will build effective relationships and influence change at all levels in the Department. Your excellent communication skills and strong project management abilities will be essential for managing competing priorities. You will lead, mentor and inspire a team of dedicated HR practitioners, and ensure systems are in place to attract, retain, and engage employees. As our new leader, you will apply your HR expertise and compassion when problem solving and addressing issues. You will champion the advancement of practices, strategies, and policies that promote a healthy and inclusive workplace culture for all employees.

About the Department of Local Services
 King County Local Services is the local government service provider for the roughly 250,000 people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county. Together, the populations of these communities would form the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, Road Services Division, and Permitting Division.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice
 The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our employees, our partners, and the communities we serve. We work to dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge that this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create positive change for our employees and the communities we serve.

Examples of duties

The successful candidate is a strategic HR leader with expertise in labor relations, talent development, and organizational culture, demonstrated by a strong record of building partnerships, developing leaders, and advancing workforce recruitment and retention. 

Applying the principles of equity and racial and social justice is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply these principles to all aspects of your work.

 Primary responsibilities include:

• Provide overall direction for integrating sound human resources practices and strategic initiatives across the department, building relationships and leveraging networks at all levels as a trusted HR partner, while utilizing policies, processes, and guidance established by the central Department of Human Resources.
• Develop and support HR Analysts to implement recruitment strategies in today’s dynamic and constricted labor market.
• Provide advice and consultation on workplace programs, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with DLS leadership to design systems for recruitment, development, and retention of a high quality, diverse workforce that is prepared for the evolving business needs of the future.
• Proactively assess and, in consultation with leadership, resolve employee relations issues objectively, interpreting employment law, labor agreements, and HR policies and practices to reduce liability and ensure consistency and compliance.
• Develop and support Employee Labor Relations lead to conduct investigations related to human resources issues.
• In collaboration with the Office of Labor Relations, participate in negotiations of collective bargaining agreements; support and participate in employee discipline and grievances as needed; and implement and interpret contract language where warranted.
• Manage requests for accommodations (Americans with Disabilities Act, religious, and others as applicable by law) to ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and development to support and sustain a mid-sized HR team.
• Lead the implementation of strategies to strengthen employee engagement and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts.
• Additional duties as ass