Area Human Resources Manager

Area Human Resources Manager

First Student | Hartford, Connecticut - Hybrid

Salary: $115,000-$125,000 annually, depending on experience
Location: Hartford, CT area
Travel: Regular travel throughout Connecticut and New England; assigned territory spans approximately 250 miles

This is a hybrid position requiring a regular site presence at all assigned area locations. Candidates must reside in the Hartford, CT area or be willing to relocate to the area before starting.

First Student is seeking an experienced Area Human Resources Manager to provide HR leadership and support across multiple operating locations. This position partners with regional and local leaders on employee relations, labor relations, workplace investigations, compliance, and employee development.

You will support teams that include drivers, monitors/aides, technicians, administrative employees, and management staff.

Work Location and Travel Requirements

• Candidates must reside in the Hartford, CT area or be willing to relocate before starting.
• Residence within driving local distance of a First Student location is preferred.
• The hybrid arrangement combines work from home or an operating location with regular in-person visits.
• Maintain a site presence at all assigned area locations based on employee and business needs.
• Travel throughout the assigned Connecticut and New England territory is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise regional and location leaders on employee relations, dispute resolution, policy interpretation, performance management, leave administration, and compensation.
• Support labor relations, including grievance handling and labor contract administration, in partnership with management and labor counsel.
• Maintain regular contact with assigned locations to build effective relationships with employees and managers.
• Conduct fair, thorough workplace investigations and support responses to agency complaints and internal or external audits.
• Coach managers on addressing employee concerns consistently and appropriately.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage-and-hour requirements.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition on hiring initiatives and staffing needs associated with new operations.
• Deliver training on employee relations, performance management, and employment practices.
• Develop employee engagement action plans and monitor progress.
• Support leadership development, organizational changes, and location openings and closings.
• Implement HR initiatives and report results to regional leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources.
• At least five years of HR experience, including employee relations, labor relations, employment law, and training and development.
• Experience supporting unionized workforces and managing labor relations.
• Residence in the Hartford, CT area or willingness to relocate before starting.
• Ability to travel and maintain a regular site presence at all assigned area locations.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and wage-and-hour requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and administrative skills.
• Sound judgment and the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Proficiency with standard office software and HR systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and partner effectively with employees and leaders.

Preferred: Experience providing HR support across multiple operating locations.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of $115,000-$125,000, depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, and paid holidays
• Access to earned-wage and employee rewards programs
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative work environment

Benefits and programs are subject to eligibility and applicable plan terms.

Apply Today

Submit your resume to join First Student and support the employees who deliver safe, dependable transportation for our communities.

Language Requirement
This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.