Human Resources Manager - Employee Benefits

Description

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Regular Full Time Employment Opportunity
Posted salary includes 3.5% confidential premium.

The City of Sunnyvale is recruiting for the division head level position of Human Resources Manager to provide leadership and direction for the Employee Benefits Division. The Human Resources Manager will bring a dynamic, service-oriented, and proactive approach to the City of Sunnyvale organization.

Additionally, the City of Sunnyvale offers:

• Employer paid medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute
• Employer paid 2% deferred compensation contribution
• Employer paid retiree medical insurance contribution of $1,100 per month (for 2025). City contribution increases with 5 years of service.

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations of the Employee Benefits Division, participates in the development of policies and strategies for division operations; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Director of Human Resources in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Director of Human Resources. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating assigned Human Resources functions including classification and compensation, employee performance management, employee and labor relations, recruitment and selection, employee benefit services, equal employment opportunity, organizational development, training, and/or employee development. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

For a complete classification specification, click here: Human Resources Manager

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Employee Benefits Division.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends, develops, and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of the division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations to the Director of Human Resources.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends discipline.
• Performs project management responsibilities; develops logical and efficient project plans; establishes priorities; monitors and manages task completion; anticipates and develops plan to avoid potential problems; works collaboratively and cooperatively with team members and user groups to ensure project accountability.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality.
• Develops and prepares materials for orientation sessions, training classes, City Council, and other public presentations; develops and delivers training materials; makes presentations to members of the public, employee groups, and the City Council.
• Conducts research and analysis of complex technical issues; evaluates options and makes recommendations for action; prepares reports and recommendations for City staff, City Council, and Personnel Board.
• Represents the Human Resources Department in interdepartmental, interagency, and public meetings; serves on committees.
• Provides strategic assistance in labor negotiations as needed.
• Reviews the work of staff to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, and the public.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in Human Resources management.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from residents, applicants, employees, other departments, and agencies.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Oversees public records request responses involving personnel records and ensures confidential information is managed in compliance with applicable law.
• Analyzes workforce metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Plans and coordinates major research or administrative projects; compiles and analyzes data pertaining to Human Resources policies and issues; presents recommendations.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to Director of Human Resources and other Department Heads; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.

When Assigned to Employee Benefits:

• Directs and administers a comprehensive employee benefits program; administers contracts and plan documents; monitors the work of third-party administrators; interprets and negotiates contract terms and ensures compliance with benefit programs.
• Provides assistance to employees regarding the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS); coordinates contract amendments with CalPERS; interprets changes to state laws regarding CalPERS and makes recommendations for policy changes.
• Oversees personnel files and employment verification process; manages and maintains the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) for personnel and benefit transactions.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands:
This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or the public in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, organizational psychology, business administration, or related field; AND
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in human resources management, including two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Principles and practices of public human resources administration, including recruitment, selection, classification, employee benefits, labor relations, and employee training and development, depending upon area of assignment.
• Public record laws and confidentiality requirements for personnel data.
• Tools and practices in workforce analytics, trend forecasting, and performance metrics.
• Human Resources systems implementation best practices.
• Research methods and statistical analysis.
• Analyze and present relevant information at the appropriate level for the audience.
• Recent and ongoing developments and information sources related to the assigned division’s operations.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance objectively.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the assigned Human Resources Division.
• Prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Analyze complex human resources issues and develop and implement appropriate responses; advise and counsel departments of best course of action.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Effectively manage projects with outside vendors.
• Organize and direct human resources administration operations, including employee benefits programs.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Supervise the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, various professional organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Public Sector Human Resources experience.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 23, 2025. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Sunnyvale application form for this position and submit online through the City's employment page at http://www.Sunnyvale.ca.gov, click Jobs. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral exam scheduled for November 4, 2025 (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources). Selection interviews with top candidates from the oral exam process will be conducted November 10-11, 2025.

SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are not represented and have been designated as confidential.

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Confidential Management Benefits.

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 10/23/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Sunnyvale

• 408-730-3017

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