HR Manager II-People Leader

ABOUT THE ROLE The King County Department of Local Services (DLS) seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager (People Leader) to lead a complex HR team. This role involves building relationships, influencing change, and mentoring HR practitioners across employee and labor relations, recruitment, leaves, and accommodations. The ideal candidate will champion inclusive workplace cultures and apply equity, racial, and social justice principles to all aspects of their work. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide overall direction for HR practices and strategic initiatives - Develop and support HR Analysts to implement recruitment strategies - Advise and consult on workplace programs, policies, and procedures - Collaborate with DLS leadership to design recruitment, development, and retention systems - Assess and resolve employee relations issues, interpreting employment law and labor agreements - Support the Employee Labor Relations lead in conducting HR investigations - Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, employee discipline, and grievances - Coach HR Senior Analyst in managing accommodation requests (ADA, religious, etc.) - Provide supervision, guidance, and development to a mid-sized HR team - Lead strategies to strengthen employee engagement and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration, or closely related field; AND five years of increasingly responsible HR experience at the professional/management level; OR any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the job duties - Direct working knowledge of major HR functions (recruitment, compensation, benefits, risk management, HRIS, employee relations, leave management, performance management, training, relevant laws) - Demonstrated skill in resolving workplace conflict and coaching supervisors on employee development and performance issues - Experience with customer-focused service and advising management on complex HR policies - Experience advancing equity, social justice, inclusion, and belonging, with comfort discussing race and equity in the workplace - Strategic thinker with ability to translate strategies into tactical actions - High-level written and verbal communication skills - Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment with multiple labor contracts - Helpful qualifications: Public sector or government experience, unionized environment experience, proficiency with PeopleSoft and NEOGOV SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Work schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., occasionally requiring weekends or outside normal hours - FLSA Status: Exempt, not eligible for overtime pay - Emergency designation: Mission Critical in an Emergency - Teleworking: Must work in the office at least four (4) days a week - Location: King Street Center (201 S. Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104), with potential travel to Unincorporated King County offices - Residency: Must reside in Washington State within a reasonable distance to the worksite - Must maintain a reliable home workspace with internet connection for remote work days SELECTION PROCESS - Applications screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness - Minimum qualifications and supplemental question answers must be demonstrated in application materials - First review of applications the week of September 14, 2026, and weekly thereafter - Most competitive candidates invited to one or more in-person interviews - Recruitment will fill one career service position and create an eligibility pool for six months HOW TO APPLY - Submit a completed King County Application - A resume and supplemental question responses are required - Ensure work history details highlight the ability to fulfill the position requirements - For accommodations or alternate formats, contact Janice Antonio at jantonio@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-2003 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: King County - Address: King Street Center, 201 South Jackson Street, Seattle, Washington, 98104 - Job Number: 2026JA27956 - Department: DLS - Dept. of Local Services - Division: DLS-Directors Office - Job Type: Career Service (Exec) - Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines - Opening Date: 09/03/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous