HR Manager II Job at King County, WA in Seattle

Overview

Metro Transit is seeking an enthusiastic, engaged, and well-rounded HR Manager II. The HR Manager II will provide leadership and consultation across general functional areas of Human Resources within the department. This role supports a highly unionized and complex labor relations environment with a strong emphasis on equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the employee lifecycle. The position reports to the Metro's Deputy Division Director and works with a skilled team of HR service delivery professionals. This opportunity emphasizes leadership, change management, data-driven programs, and high-level HR support across all divisions of Metro.

King County Metro Transit is a mobility agency focused on connecting people to opportunities. We operate a large transit system with buses, light rail, streetcars, vanpools, and related services, and we pursue continuous improvement through Lean Management and other principles.

Position info: This recruitment will be used to fill one Career Services, HR Manager II vacancy and may be used to generate an eligibility list for future CS, SDA, and TLT positions in this classification. The eligibility pool is valid for up to 12 months from posting.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, leadership, and guidance to Metro Employee Services division HR teams, including shaping and supporting implementation of HR service delivery systems as prioritized by HR leadership.
• Ensure administration of human resources practices adheres to collective bargaining agreements and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Collaborate with HR team members and Metro division partners to ensure seamless HR service delivery.
• Build and lead effective teams by coaching and mentoring direct reports, allocating staff and resources, setting customer-focused standards, and establishing metrics to monitor progress toward goals.
• Cultivate an inclusive, welcoming, and psychologically safe workplace that values diversity and respect for all employees.
• Model best practices in leadership, including continuous learning, accountability, and equitable decision-making in HR work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressive and broad functional knowledge in a variety of HR service areas, and a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or equivalent; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven track record developing and implementing innovative HR strategies and practices.
• Demonstrated experience in a unionized and complex labor relations environment.
• Experience as an HR consultant providing legally defensible advice on HR policies and practices.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with employees, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, racial, and social justice; comfortable discussing race and equity and applying these principles to HR work.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate conflict and manage change in a growing, multi-faceted organization.

Desired Qualifications

• High-volume HR generalist experience in a public-sector environment.
• Previous experience as an HR Manager in public sector.
• Strong working knowledge of PeopleSoft.

Supplemental Information

• Application materials: Online King County application (updated with contact information and relevant work history for at least 10 years), completed supplemental questions, resume, and a cover letter addressing specified topics.
• Applications without required materials may be rejected as incomplete. Final offers depend on reference checks and/or record review.
• Note: This recruitment is open ONLY to current King County employees.
• Work Schedule: Exempt from FLSA; 40-hour work week with core hours typically 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday–Friday.
• Work Location: King Street Center offices, Seattle, WA 98104. Temporary telecommuting will be allowed; future in-office presence may be required 1–2 days per week. Residence in Washington state within reasonable distance to the worksite is expected.
• Union Membership: This position is not represented by a union.
• To Apply: Follow the application instructions. If you need alternate formats or accommodations, contact the recruiter.

Benefits and Equal Opportunity

• King County offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement programs, transportation benefits, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, parental and family leaves, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and career development opportunities.
• King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. We value diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and are committed to workforce equity.

For inquiries about the position, please contact the recruiter identified in the posting.