Human Resources Professional Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Summary

The Lead Human Resources Generalist serves as a senior HR professional and operational leader within the Human Resources department. This position partners closely with the Director of Human Resources to oversee employee relations, workplace investigations, compliance initiatives, benefits administration, leave management, policy development, and HR operational effectiveness.

This role is ideal for a self-directed HR professional who takes ownership, exercises sound judgment, and proactively identifies solutions to complex employee and organizational challenges. The successful candidate serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, provides guidance and mentorship to HR team members, and helps ensure HR programs, policies, and processes are administered consistently, effectively, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Lead HR Generalist is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, influence outcomes without relying solely on formal authority, and help develop the overall capabilities, knowledge, and effectiveness of the HR team.
Benefits
  401(k) program with discretionary safe harbor (no contribution required)
  Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance
  Flexible PTO 
  8 Paid holiday
  Collaborative and supportive culture

Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Workplace Investigations

Serve as the lead HR resource for employee relations matters, workplace conflict, disciplinary issues, policy interpretation, and performance concerns

Conduct and oversee workplace investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, and other sensitive workplace matters

Provide guidance and coaching to managers regarding employee relations issues, corrective action, performance management, and employment law compliance

Evaluate investigation findings, assess organizational risk, and develop recommendations for resolution

Support termination decisions, complex employee matters, and conflict resolution efforts

Identify employee relations trends and recommend proactive solutions that strengthen organizational effectiveness and reduce risk

Compliance, Policy & Risk Management

Provide oversight and direction for HR compliance programs, audits, and regulatory reporting activities

Research and interpret federal, state, and local employment laws and recommend policy, procedural, or operational changes as needed

Lead the review, development, implementation, and maintenance of HR policies, procedures, forms, and standard operating procedures

Review audit findings, identify compliance concerns, and coordinate corrective action efforts

Support external audits and ensure HR records, processes, and documentation remain audit-ready

Serve as a subject matter resource regarding HR compliance and employment law matters

Benefits, Leave & Employee Programs

Provide oversight and guidance for benefits administration, leave management, and employee programs while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and company practices

Serve as an escalation resource for complex benefits, leave, and accommodation matters

Support 401(k) administration, annual audits, and vendor partnerships as needed

Assess existing programs and recommend improvements that enhance employee experience, compliance, and operational efficiency

Operational HR Leadership

Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and support to HR Generalists and HR Specialists

Assist in prioritizing workload, identifying resource needs, and ensuring timely completion of HR responsibilities

Review work for quality, accuracy, consistency, and compliance

Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems, workflows, and service delivery

Partner with the Director of Human Resources on department initiatives, projects, audits, reporting, and organizational priorities

Support annual review processes, compensation initiatives, and other strategic HR activities

Team Development

Mentor and develop HR team members through coaching, knowledge sharing, and ongoing guidance

Assist with onboarding and training of new HR personnel

Promote accountability, continuous improvement, cross-training, and operational consistency within the HR team

Foster a culture of initiative, problem-solving, professional growth, and excellent customer service

Lead by example through professionalism, responsiveness, sound judgment, and a commitment to organizational success

Other

Physical demands include long hours sitting, using a computer, standing, pulling/pushing, walking, lifting, and climbing

Flexible schedule required to accommodate varying availability

Limited travel may be required as needed

Other duties, activities, and responsibilities may vary and change as assigned

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent work experience may substitute for education

Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience in employee relations, compliance, investigations, policy administration, benefits administration, or related HR disciplines required.

Demonstrated experience researching and interpreting employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices is required.

Strong written communication, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills required.

Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading projects and initiatives required.